Long Island NY Blackmail Defense Attorney

Is Blackmail a Crime in New York?

Blackmail, also known as extortion, is the act of using threatening or intimidating behavior to obtain money or other property. New York Penal Code, Section 155, classifies blackmail and extortion crimes as “grand larceny,” or theft. Both of these charges are classified as a felony under New York state law.

Prosecutors try cases of blackmail aggressively in our state courts, seeking the harshest penalties for offenders, the law defines two kinds of criminal charges involving extortion including:

• Grand larceny in the fourth degree – Blackmail of any property, which is a class E felony that carries up to four years in prison.
• Grand larceny in the second degree – Blackmail involving fear that the victim will be harmed, which is a class C felony carrying up to 15 years in prison.

Extortion Legal Defense Firm

The potential consequences for a blackmail charge are incredibly serious, and if convicted, you can face years in prison, not to mention thousands of dollars in fines. Thus, it is important to get a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side to protect your rights and defend your name in court.

At The Law Offices of Scott Gross, P.C., our Long Island white collar crime lawyer vigorously fights for those accused of blackmail crimes. We have numerous years of experience representing the criminally accused and are led by a former prosecutor, giving us insight into the legality of the other side. With thousands of cases under our belts, we are more than prepared to take on your case!