Blackmail is a criminal offense that involves the defendant demanding or receiving money or anything of value as a consequence for not informing third parties about information in question.

There are several felony federal offenses related to the crimes of intimidation and extortion.

Punishments range from a Class A misdemeanor, which involves up to one year in prison and fines of up to $2,500, all the way to a Class X felony, which is punishable by up a minimum of six years in jail and a maximum of 30, along with a $25,000 fine. Punishment for Extortion in IllinoisĮxtortion charged as a theft offense in Chicago and Illinois will be punished by the amount of money or value of property stolen and other circumstances surrounding the offense. Under the statute, a person commits theft by extortion when he or she knowingly obtains by threat control over property of the owner. The offense is defined under 720 ILCS 5/16-1. Extortion occurs when a person, through threats, obtains the property of another. Defining Extortion in IllinoisĮxtortion can be charged as a theft offense under Illinois law. All other forms of aggravated intimidation are charged as a Class 2 felony, punishable by a minimum of three years in prison and a maximum of seven years, along with fines of up to $25,000. The defendant also faces up to $25,000 in fines. A Class 1 felony is punished by a minimum of four years in prison and a maximum of 15 years. This is one of the most severe offenses under Illinois law. An intimidation conviction may also be accompanied by fines of up to $25,000.Īggravated intimidation related to gang activity in Chicago is a Class 1 felony. It can have significant consequences for your future. Your criminal record is visible to potential employers, landlords, the military, and more. Along with a prison term, an intimidation conviction will result in a felony record. Those convicted of this crime will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than two years and not more than ten years. The offense is committed with intent to prevent a person from becoming a community policing volunteer orĪny of the following: the person knew the victim was a peace officer, correctional officer, fireman, community policing volunteer or the offense was committed in relation to the defendant’s official duties or to prevent the victim from performing official duties.Ī conviction for intimidation in Illinois is a Class 3 felony. The person committed the crime in furtherance of gang activities A person commits the crime of aggravated intimidation under 720 ILCS 5/12-6.2 when he or she commits intimidation and:

Rather, it is sufficient that the defendant made the threat to the victim for a conviction to stand.Īggravated intimidation is a related, heightened offense. Take action as a public official against anyone, or withhold action, or cause such action or withholding orīring about or continue a boycott, strike, or collective action.Ī conviction for the crime of intimidation does not require that the defendant follow through with the threat. Subject anyone to physical confinement or restraint orĬommit a felony or Class A misdemeanor orĮxpose another person to hatred, ridicule, or contempt or Inflict physical harm on the person threatened or any other person or property or Under this statute, a person commits the crime of intimidation when, with the intent to cause another person to perform or omit to perform any act, he or she communicates to another, either directly or indirectly, a threat to perform any of the following acts: The crime of Intimidation in Illinois is charged under 720 ILCS 5/12-6. Anyone facing an intimidation or extortion charge will need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their legal rights and fight for their continued freedom. Extortion or intimidation, and related charges like blackmail, can be charged in state or federal court. Both charges carry the potential for serious penalties, including a felony conviction on your record, years in prison, fines, and more. Intimidation and extortion are related offenses that involve threats to another to obtain something or cause the other person to perform or omit to perform an act. Cook County Intimidation and Extortion Defense Lawyer

Elements of extortion