Extortion Lawyer in St. Louis

Extortion Lawyer in St. Louis, MO

Facing an extortion charge in Missouri? You need more than just legal advice—you need a powerhouse defense team that knows how to fight back. At Combs Waterkotte, we represent individuals accused of coercion, blackmail, and other serious threats with strategic, aggressive, and discreet legal counsel. Extortion is a felony that can wreck your career, reputation, and freedom—but with the right defense attorney, it doesn’t have to. Whether you’re being investigated or already charged, we’ll move fast to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution, and work toward the best possible result.

Understanding Extortion Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, extortion generally involves obtaining money, property, or services from someone through coercion, threats, or misuse of authority. It often falls under the legal definition of coercion or tampering, depending on the tactics used. While extortion is often associated with violence, many extortion charges stem from nonviolent threats, including blackmail, digital coercion, and business intimidation.

Common extortion tactics can include:

• Threatening to expose private or embarrassing information
• Using one's position to unlawfully influence or force payment
• Threatening harm to someone's family or property
• Demanding money or favors in exchange for silence

Even if no money changes hands, or if the victim doesn’t follow through, simply making the threat can be grounds for a criminal charge.

Missouri Extortion Laws and Classifications

Missouri classifies extortion-related offenses under a variety of statutes, including:

• Tampering with a witness (RSMo § 575.270)
• Stealing by coercion (RSMo § 570.030)
• Threats to influence an official action (RSMo § 575.040)
• Harassment (RSMo § 565.090)

Depending on the circumstances, extortion may be charged as a Class D felony or even elevated to a Class B felony if aggravating factors exist. These offenses carry prison time, heavy fines, and lasting social consequences.

Legal Penalties for Extortion in St. Louis, MO

In addition to the penalties listed below, extortion convictions also carry reputational damage that can follow you long after your sentence ends. These cases are often high-profile and emotionally charged, making a proactive defense strategy crucial.

• Class D Felony: Up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
• Class C Felony: 3–10 years in prison
• Class B Felony: 5–15 years if force or serious threats were involved
• Restitution: Court-ordered repayment to the alleged victim
• Loss of employment and professional licenses

Common St. Louis Extortion Scenarios and Accusations

Extortion charges often arise in personal, business, or political conflicts. Some of the most common examples we defend include:

• Threats to release compromising photos or texts (digital blackmail)
• Demanding payment in exchange for nondisclosure
• Threats made during divorce or custody battles
• Corporate threats between competitors or employees
• Attempted coercion of a government official

Even unrecorded conversations or misunderstood statements can be used as evidence. Our St. Louis extortion attorneys work quickly to preserve evidence, identify intent, and fight for your side of the story to be heard.

How a Combs Waterkotte Attorney Defends Against Extortion Charges in St. Louis, MO

We build strong defense strategies to protect your freedom and reputation. Our attorneys may argue:

• Lack of Intent: You didn’t intend to threaten or extort
• Constitutional Violations: We challenge illegal searches or coerced statements
• False Allegations: The claims are fabricated or exaggerated
• Miscommunication: The interaction was misinterpreted
• No Exchange Occurred: The elements of the crime weren’t fulfilled

Our legal team prepares each case as if it’s going to trial. This thorough approach improves negotiation leverage and increases your chances of dismissal, acquittal, or favorable plea outcomes.