mintzerlawExtortion charges in Texas are treated as serious white-collar criminal offenses punishable by prison
sentences and significant fines. If you have been accused of committing extortion in Texas, you
should be represented by a qualified Houston criminal defense lawyer like Rand Mintzer who
is familiar with the unique legal issues presented by extortion charges.
The Texas crime of extortion underwent a consolidation with other offenses that involve the taking
of property or money from another person. The consolidated theft statute is Section 31.03
of the Texas Penal Code in which extortion became the crime of theft. Theft occurs
when a person unlawfully appropriates the property of another with
the intention of depriving the owner of possession.
Theft by extortion is usually associated with threats to cause harm or damage to another person or the
person’s property. The intended effect of the conduct of the accused is to obtain possession of
the victim’s property or money. For example, threatening to damage a person’s reputation
unless the offender receives $1,000 from the victim is a form of theft by extortion.
Penalties a judge might impose upon someone convicted of extorting in Texas depend upon the amount
of money or the value of the property that was taken.
Because the lowest offense is a Class C misdemeanor, a person convicted of extortion charges will have a criminal record.
A conviction for extorting could prevent a person from obtaining licenses for occupations such as real estate broker or real estate agent, and some employers are reluctant to hire individuals convicted of theft crimes.
An essential element in any theft crime prosecution is the intent of the accused. An extortion defense
attorney like Rand Mintzer is familiar with extortion charges and the evidence prosecutors use to
prove each element of the crime. Extortion might not have occurred if the accused did not
intent to deprive the owner of property or money.
If the prosecution has sufficient evidence to establish the extortion charges, a defense strategy
challenging the amount of money or the value of the property taken by the accused could
reduce the potential penalties. Lowering the value of what the accused took from the
owner might reduce the charges based upon how the theft laws are
currently written.
If you have been charged with extortion theft in Texas, you want a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney like Rand Mintzer who is dedicated to protecting the rights of defendants.
Dial 713-862-8880 today to schedule an appointment.