Extortion under color of official right is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act), carrying up to 20 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has extensive criminal defense experience in New Kent County, Virginia.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Federal extortion under color of official right is defined under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951. This statute prohibits obtaining property from another, with their consent, under color of official right, where the consent is induced by the wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear. The offense requires that the defendant, acting under the authority of a public office, uses that position to demand or receive property not lawfully owed. The statute applies to any public official who uses their position to obtain personal benefit. The maximum penalty for a violation is 20 years in federal prison, fines, and restitution. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1951
For the full text of the Hobbs Act, see 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII — official U.S. Code). For federal sentencing guidelines, see U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov).
In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely pursue extortion under color of official right charges with aggressive tactics. We have observed that federal agents, including the FBI, often conduct lengthy investigations before making an arrest.
- Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Preserve all documents and electronic records that may be relevant.
- Contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone except your legal counsel.
- Prepare for a potential grand jury subpoena or indictment.
- Understand that federal charges carry severe penalties with no parole.
In New Kent County, federal extortion under color of official right carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, fines, and restitution under 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Under Color of Official Right | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 or more | Loss of public office; professional license revocation | Restitution; supervised release; no parole; loss of federal benefits |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders — has handled numerous federal criminal cases in Virginia, including extortion and public corruption matters. Our firm understands the details of federal court and the high stakes involved.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in New Kent County: 3 dismissed or not guilty, 1 reduced or amended — a favorable-outcome rate of 100% in all reported instances. Results may vary. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our location in Richmond is approximately 30 miles from New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124), with access via I-64 and Route 33. If you need a federal criminal lawyer near New Kent County, we are here to help. Serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond, 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225 | (804) 201-9009 | By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in New Kent County
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in New Kent County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in New Kent County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months/$1,000. Common charges include assault and battery (§ 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on suspended (§ 46.2-301). Cases heard at New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124).
A Class 1 misdemeanor in New Kent County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Can criminal charges be expunged in New Kent County, Virginia?
Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in New Kent County Circuit Court. First-offense marijuana possession may qualify through deferred disposition.
Yes, Virginia allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2.
How does bail work in New Kent County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors in New Kent County. Secured bond (bail bondsman charges ~10%) is typical for felonies. Bond can be appealed to New Kent County General District Court.
A magistrate sets bond after arrest; personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia?
Yes. Criminal charges carry possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record that affects employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. Even a misdemeanor at New Kent County General District Court (misdemeanor) and New Kent County Circuit Court (felony) has serious long-term consequences.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences that require legal representation.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in New Kent County?
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying jail time.
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials.
What is the difference between state and federal charges?
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole. An experienced federal defense attorney is critical.
Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney with generally harsher penalties and no parole.
How does a Virginia lawyer defend against extortion under color of official right charges?
Defense strategies for extortion under color of official right in Virginia may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 to build the strongest possible defense.
Defense strategies may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors.
What should I do if I am facing extortion under color of official right charges in Virginia?
If facing extortion under color of official right charges in Virginia, contact a federal criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Virginia law require prompt action.
Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer.
Learn more about our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia services. For related federal criminal defense in nearby areas, see our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Caroline County and Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Chesapeake pages. If you need assistance with other legal matters in New Kent County, explore our Flat Fee Uncontested Divorce Lawyer New Kent County and Complex Property Division Lawyer New Kent County services.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.