Tampa, FL Internet Extortion and Sextortion Criminal Defense Lawyers

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, New Port Richey Tampa Bay & Central Florida White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer.

While technically a nonviolent crime, extortion is prosecuted just as harshly as a violent criminal act. In extortion cases, one person is accused of forcing another person to do something against their will, like sending money or giving up property, by use of threats.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged with extortion, you need to get legal help as soon as possible. Our Tampa Bay & Central Florida Extortion Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton know the charge syou are facing are serious and you can rest assure that we will establish a strong defense on your behalf with the hopes of defeating these charges.

A New Type Of Crime – Sextortion On The Rise

Have you ever met someone online or through a dating app and sent messages or even met up in person? You are certainly not alone. At least 15% of U.S. adults have used online dating sites or dating apps. With social media and dating apps, a new wave of criminal activity has been born, including the crime known as “sextortion.” This crime entails using the Internet, social media sites and dating apps to extort or blackmail others for explicit photos, money and even sex. Just like extortion, sextortion can result in substantial prison terms and other severe consequences.

A Typical Scenario

Sextortion cases can affect anyone. It plays out like this: you meet someone online or through a dating app, such as Seeking Arrangements, Plenty Of Fish, Bumble, eHarmony, Zoosk or okcupid and start talking. Someone asks for a nude picture or naughty video, or you just send it of your own free will to flirt. Then there are threats of showing the picture or video to other people unless more photos are sent, money is exchanged, etc.

Penalties For Extortion/Sextortion in Florida

Extortion/sextortion crimes can be charged as state or federal offenses and involve some type of bribery, blackmail, coercion or demands.

This crime is classified as a second-degree felony in Florida, carrying potential consequences of up to 15 years in prison.

There are several elements that the prosecution must prove in order to prove the crime of extortion/sextortion, including:

• The person accused of the crime communicated to another person in some fashion – verbal, written or typed.
• During the communication, the person accused threatened to harm another person, tarnish their reputation, reveal or expose a secret, or simply shame or disgrace them somehow.
• The threat by the person accused was maliciously made, meaning done so with ill will or evil intent, in order to gain money, goods or services from another person or persuade another person to perform certain acts against their will.

Let Us Protect Your Rights – Call Us Now 727-823-0000

Extortion/sextortion charges are very serious. Because of the laundry list of potential consequences, you must protect yourself and your future by fighting these charges. You need to get legal help as soon as possible as these charges will not just go away on their own. Police and prosecutors will seek to make an example out of you and will use every trick in the book to see that you are convicted and given the maximum penalties. Our Tampa Bay & Central Florida Extortion/Sextortion Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can fight for your rights and do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome for your particular situation.

We know how these cases work. We can put that knowledge to work for you and devise a powerful defense to the prosecution’s case. Do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation today at 727-823-0000. We can discuss the best way to proceed and answer any questions you have. You can contact us online 24/7 to get the legal help you need.

We urge you to reach out to us before you communicate with state or federal police. It is important to understand that police do not have your best interests in mind. Anything you say can and will be used against you to fit their version of the crime. Our Tampa Bay & Central Florida Extortion/Sextortion Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can protect you from unfair questioning tactics and make sure your side of the story is heard.

If you are facing extortion/sextortion charges in Brooksville, Tampa, Bushnell, Gainesville, New Port Richey, Ocala, The Villages, Orlando, Dade City, Inverness, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tavares, Bartow or Daytona Beach, let our Tampa Bay & Central Florida Extortion/Sextortion Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton help you. Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.