Saint Petersburg Law Firms Strategies to Beat Extortion Charges in Miami
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- 1 Saint Petersburg Law Firms Strategies to Beat Extortion Charges in Miami
Saint Petersburg Law Firms Strategies to Beat Extortion Charges in Miami
Getting charged with extortion in Miami can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and proving your innocence difficult. But Saint Petersburg law firms have developed clever strategies to help their clients avoid conviction. This article explains the common extortion charges in Miami, the challenges of beating them, and how crafty lawyers exploit technicalities and loopholes to get charges dismissed or reduced.
Common Extortion Charges in Miami
There are two main extortion laws in Florida that defendants get charged with in Miami:
- Extortion – Threatening to harm someone unless they give you money or something else of value. This includes threats of physical violence, ruining someone’s reputation, or disclosing secrets.
- Commercial bribery – When someone who works for a business takes a bribe that harms the business. For example, an employee takes a bribe to give a contract to a vendor that will do bad work.
These charges often stem from bitter disputes between former business partners, employees and employers, or family members. Prosecutors throw the book at defendants, piling on extra charges like racketeering, money laundering, and conspiracy.
Why Beating Extortion Charges is Tough
There are three major hurdles to beating state extortion charges in Miami:
- Florida’s laws are broad – Threatening nearly any kind of harm can qualify as extortion under Florida law. There is no requirement that the threat is credible or could actually be carried out.
- Power imbalance – There often exists a real or perceived power imbalance between the accused extortionist and the alleged victim. For example, an employer accused of extorting an employee.
- Lack of physical evidence – Unlike crimes like murder or assault, extortion usually doesn’t leave behind physical evidence. The case becomes about one person’s word against another.
With such broad laws, ambiguous circumstances, and no hard evidence, beating an extortion charge rests on the defense attorney’s skills and preparation.
How Saint Petersburg Law Firms Beat the Charges
Extortion cases often come down to who presents the most compelling story. Skilled Saint Petersburg attorneys use clever tactics to poke holes in the prosecution’s narrative and build an alternate theory of innocence. Here are some of their most effective strategies:
File a Motion to Dismiss Early
Saint Petersburg lawyers try to get extortion charges tossed before the case goes to trial. In Florida, extortion requires malice or criminal intent. Clever attorneys argue these elements are missing. For example, a heated business dispute that involves threats may be unwise but not criminal. Judges have dismissed cases when intent wasn’t proven.
Dig for Beneficial Background Details
Lawyers dig into the relationship history between the accused and the accuser. Evidence the alleged victim previously engaged in unethical behavior themselves casts doubt on their credibility. Proof the supposed victim made the first threats portrays them as the antagonist.
Turn the Tables at Trial
At trial, the defense attorney tries to flip the script. They paint the accuser as the real villain extorting or defrauding the defendant first. The accused’s threats become understandable given the accuser’s bad acts. This provides an alternate narrative of events for the jury.
Negotiate Plea Deals for Reduced Charges
Many extortion cases end in plea bargains. The charges get reduced to misdemeanors like harassment or disorderly conduct. The defendant pleads guilty to these lesser charges in exchange for dropping the felony extortion counts. It limits the punishment and avoids the risks of trial.
Exploit Technicalities
Sharp lawyers pounce on technical errors by police and prosecutors, like mishandling evidence or missing deadlines. Getting evidence thrown out or charges dismissed on procedural grounds is a common defense strategy.
Lean on Good Character Witnesses
Defense lawyers call witnesses to testify about the defendant’s good character. Respected community members who swear the defendant is peaceful and law-abiding create reasonable doubt of guilt. Juries hesitate to convict those with sterling reputations.
Question the Police Investigation
In many cases, the police conduct a limited investigation focused only on building the prosecutor’s case. The defense attorney highlights shoddy police work and evidence they should have pursued to establish reasonable doubt.
Why Saint Petersburg Lawyers are Effective
Saint Petersburg law firms have a homefield advantage when defending clients charged in Miami. Their experience with Florida courts and judges gives them inside knowledge. They use Miami’s heavy caseload and congested court system to their advantage. Their aggressiveness and creativity make prosecutors more likely to offer plea deals. Defendants get better outcomes working with Saint Petersburg lawyers than local attorneys.
Don’t Go It Alone – Hire a Lawyer Now
Extortion charges should be taken seriously. Florida hands down harsh sentences to those convicted. An experienced attorney is needed to stand a chance of beating the charges. Saint Petersburg firms apply pressure on prosecutors and exploit every advantage. Their expertise offers hope even when the case looks bleak. Don’t delay – contact a dedicated Saint Petersburg lawyer today if you or a loved one face accusations of extortion in Miami.
References
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