Texas extortion law, prohibit a person from obtaining property or services from others through coercion or threats. In Texas, extortion is typically covered under the broader category of “theft by coercion” or “theft by extortion.”
Under Texas extortion law, a person commits theft by coercion if they intentionally or knowingly threaten or place another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death in order to:
- Cause the person to submit to the threat
- Place the person in fear that the threat will be carried out
- Cause the person to deliver up property or services
This offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the value of the property or services involved.
Possible defenses to a charge of extortion in Texas may include:
- Lack of intent: If the accused can demonstrate that they did not intend to obtain property or services through coercion or threats, they may have a defense against the charge.
- Lack of fear: If the alleged victim was not actually placed in fear of imminent bodily injury or death, this could be a defense against a charge of extortion.
- Consent: If the alleged victim willingly and knowingly gave up the property or services without being coerced or threatened, this could be a defense to a charge of extortion.
- False accusation: If the accused can show that they were falsely accused of extortion, either due to mistaken identity or malicious intent on the part of the accuser, this could serve as a defense.
It’s also crucial for anyone facing charges of extortion in Texas to seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney to understand their rights and options.
In Texas criminal law, blackmail and extortion are often used interchangeably and are covered under the same theft statute. Both involve obtaining property or services from another person through coercion or threats.
Blackmail generally refers to the act of threatening to reveal embarrassing, damaging, or incriminating information about someone unless they comply with the demands of the person making the threat. Extortion, on the other hand, involves threats of harm, violence, or other undesirable consequences if the victim does not comply with the demands.
In practice, however, the distinction between blackmail and extortion may not always be explicitly made in Texas statutes, and both actions may be prosecuted under the same laws. The key elements that prosecutors typically need to prove in cases of blackmail or extortion
So, while the terms “blackmail” and “extortion” may carry slightly different meanings they are often treated the same under Texas criminal law.
If you are arrested for Texas Extortion law, it’s also crucial seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal attorney. Do not speak with the police before you talk with a criminal lawyer.