When you’re facing extortion charges in San Gabriel, your reputation, career, and freedom are all at risk. At Perliss Law Firm, we understand the gravity of these accusations and the urgency with which they must be handled.
Drawing from over 35 years of criminal defense experience, our team is uniquely positioned to build a strategic and aggressive defense on your behalf. You’ll get a completely free consultation with our senior partner, Jonathon Perliss, giving you time to explain your unique story and receive personalized guidance for the steps moving forward.
Don’t wait to reach out – your future deserves better.
Extortion is defined under California Penal Code Section 518 as the unlawful use of force or threats to compel another person to give up money, property, or perform an official act. This could include physical threats, blackmail, or even leveraging influence to obtain something of value.
Common forms of extortion include:
Blackmail involving personal or embarrassing information
Threats of violence or harm to coerce payments or actions
Use of official position or power to unlawfully demand benefits
Cyber extortion using online threats or hacking
These charges are often aggressively prosecuted, and the penalties can be severe, including lengthy prison terms, steep fines, and lasting damage to your reputation.
If you’re up against accusations of extortion, it’s crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Perliss Law Firm, our legal team has over 30 years of extensive background handling cases like this.
We take a personalized approach with every client, giving you the best defense strategy for your unique scenario. We will do all we can to get you the best outcome in court.
If you’re convicted of extortion, you could face:
Extortion is typically charged as a felony, punishable by up to 4 years in state prison per count.
You may be required to pay back victims or entities you allegedly extorted.
A conviction can make it difficult to obtain future employment, housing, or professional licenses.
Non-citizens may face deportation or denial of naturalization.
We know these stakes can be overwhelming and scary, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our attorney, Jonathon Perliss, leads with compassion and experience. You can rest assured that we will be by your side every step of the way, fighting for your future.
Facing an extortion charge doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable. Depending on the details of your case, several legal defenses may be available. At Perliss Law Firm, we tailor each defense to the facts, including:
The prosecution must prove you intended to unlawfully threaten or coerce. If your words or actions were misunderstood or taken out of context, this defense can be effective.
Extortion charges are sometimes brought out of spite, jealousy, or as retaliation. We work to uncover inconsistencies or motivations that cast doubt on the accuser’s credibility.
If the state cannot provide clear, credible evidence that supports the charge, your case may be dismissed or significantly weakened.
If you were induced or pressured into making a threat by law enforcement or another party, we may be able to assert that you were entrapped.
Any violation of your rights—such as an illegal search, coerced confession, or denial of counsel—can be grounds to suppress evidence or dismiss the case.
Each extortion case is different. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can identify the right strategy for your situation.
Extortion charges often rely on nuanced interpretations of threats and intent. An experienced attorney can:
By arguing that communication was misinterpreted or that no unlawful threat occurred.
Including digital evidence, witness testimony, or statements taken out of context.
Such as unlawful search and seizure, Miranda violations, or coerced confessions.
In some cases, charges can be reduced to lesser offenses or resolved without jail time.
If needed, we’ll advocate for your innocence with precision, skill, and a clear understanding of courtroom dynamics.
Choosing the right legal team can be the most important decision you make after being accused of extortion. With so much at stake—your freedom, your reputation, and your future—you need attorneys who bring more than just textbook knowledge.
You need advocates with courtroom experience, insight into how the prosecution thinks, and the commitment to fight for the best possible outcome.
At Perliss Law Firm, you get:
Over 35 years of criminal defense experience
Former prosecutors with insider knowledge of how the other side builds its case
Strategic, aggressive representation tailored to each client
Fluent in English and Mandarin to serve a wider community
Free consultations and fast response times, including same-day meetings when available
We don’t just fight for your legal rights. We protect your future. From your first consultation to the resolution of your case, our goal is to provide calm, professional, and modern legal support every step of the way.
Yes, extortion is almost always charged as a felony and carries a potential sentence of up to 4 years in state prison per count.
Yes. Making the threat or coercive demand alone can result in charges, regardless of whether you received anything.
Extortion involves coercion or threats; bribery involves offering something of value to influence actions or decisions.
Yes, especially if there is insufficient evidence, if your rights were violated, or if the threat was misinterpreted. This is where an experienced attorney can make a major difference.
Do not speak to police or investigators without legal representation. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
If you’ve been accused of extortion in San Gabriel or surrounding areas, don’t wait. The sooner you involve an attorney, the more options you have. Contact Perliss Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients across LA County, including Pasadena, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Temple City, and surrounding areas.
Your future matters. Let us fight to protect it.
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