18 U.S.C. § 873 – Blackmail
Blackmail involving threats to disclose alleged violations of federal law.
This statute criminalizes demanding or receiving money or anything of value in exchange for not informing federal authorities about an alleged violation of U.S. law.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they:
- Demand or receive money or something of value
- Do so under a threat of informing, or as consideration for not informing, federal authorities
- Relating to a claimed or alleged violation of any U.S. law
The statute applies even if the alleged violation never actually occurred.
Penalties.
A conviction under this statute may result in a fine under this title, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
If you are facing allegations involving blackmail or related federal offenses, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys to discuss your situation.
