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. has extensive criminal defense experience in Roanoke County, Virginia. You need an experienced Extortion Under Color of Official Right lawyer Roanoke County to protect your rights.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia
Federal extortion under color of official right is prosecuted 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 fear or under color of official right. The offense affects interstate commerce and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., ‘Advocacy Without Borders,’ brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing these serious charges.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1951
For the full text of the Hobbs Act, visit the official U.S. Code: 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII — official site). For federal sentencing guidelines, see: U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines (ussc.gov — official site).
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, prosecutors routinely seek indictments through a federal grand jury. We have observed that early intervention can often influence the direction of the case before charges are filed.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney.
- Preserve all relevant documents and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
- Follow your attorney’s advice regarding court appearances and discovery.
- Do not consent to any interviews without your attorney present.
- Be aware of the Speedy Trial Act deadlines.
In Roanoke County, extortion under color of official right carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, fines, and supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Under Color of Official Right (18 U.S.C. § 1951) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (or more under certain circumstances) | N/A (federal offense) | Supervised release, forfeiture of property, 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%. The firm has extensive criminal defense experience in Roanoke County, including federal cases at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
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 34 documented results in Roanoke County: 4 dismissed or not guilty, 28 reduced or amended, 2 deferred — a favorable outcome in all reported instances. Results may vary. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.
Our location in Woodstock is approximately 90 miles from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, with access via I-81. We serve as your Extortion Under Color of Official Right lawyer near Roanoke County. Serving the communities of Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, Catawba. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for extortion under color of official right in Virginia?
Penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
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. (Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure) to build the strongest possible defense.
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.
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. Cases are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
What are the penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia?
Penalties for extortion under color of official right in Virginia depend on the specific charges, prior record, and circumstances. Under 18 U.S.C. (Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure), consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Page last updated: 2026-05-02
Internal links:
For more information on related federal criminal defense topics, visit our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Virginia page. You may also be interested in our Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Loudoun County or Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Fairfax County pages. For other practice areas in Roanoke County, see our Petit Larceny Defense Lawyer Roanoke County and Traffic Violation Lawyer Roanoke County pages.