In Nevada, blackmail is a serious offense and can be considered to be a white-collar crime. A conviction for blackmail can haunt you for the rest of your life and make it extremely difficult to obtain future employment. This especially holds true if you are considering a career that will involve holding a professional license.
If you have been charged with blackmail, then you need to seek qualified legal representation immediately. If convicted of blackmail, you could face a lengthy prison sentence and a steep fine. Contact the Goodwin Law Group, PLLC of Las Vegas, NV, in order to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
What is Blackmail in Nevada?
Nevada law states that blackmail occurs when an individual intentionally threatens another person in order to extort money, property, or influence from then. Due to the fact that blackmailing another individual involves the act of threatening to ruin another person or their standing in the community, the Nevada legal system has harsh penalties in place if you are convicted for this type of crime.
Are Blackmail and Extortion the Same Thing?
Nevada considers blackmail and extortion to be the same crime. Some of the more common forms of blackmail or extortion are as follows:
- Falsely accusing another individual of a crime
- Threatening to expose a secret of another individual
- Threat of injury to another individual
- Threat to publish something that is untrue about another individual
- Threat to expose an individual in which they would potentially face public disgrace
- Threat of physical violence if the other person does not help them commit a criminal act
What are the Penalties for Blackmail in Nevada?
Because blackmail, or extortion as it is commonly known in Nevada, is considered to be a Category B felony, if convicted, you could potentially face 1 to 10 years in state prison and/or a fine ranging up to $10,000. In addition, depending on the circumstances of the crime, you could also be forced to pay restitution to the victim.
If you were charged and convicted of what is known as “extortionate collection for debt,” the prison sentence could range from between one to 6 years in state prison. This criminal charge stems when an individual causes the person who owes the debt to fear that failure to repay the amount owed will result in bodily harm or property damage.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
If you have been arrested and charged with blackmail (extortion), you need to seek qualified legal representation immediately. By law, blackmail convictions must remain on an individual’s criminal record for a period of at least 5 years before the defendant may request the court to have their record sealed. However, if your extortion charges are dismissed, then you have the option of having them sealed immediately.
Do not trust your future to chance. Contact the law offices of the Goodwin Law Group, PLLC of Las Vegas, NV, by calling (702) 819-8242 to schedule a free consultation.