Have you been charged with Extortion With Threats to Kill?
If so, you will need to engage a specialist criminal defence lawyer. This is a very serious charge, punishable by 15 years in prison if you are found guilty. There are a number of things to think about if you have been charged with this offence.
Did you make a demand of another person? Did you threaten to kill or endanger the life of that person, or another person, if the demand was not carried out? Did you intend to convince the person that your threat was real? Did you act alone, or are you a co-accused?
All these things need careful consideration by you and an experienced lawyer before you will be ready to advise a Court how you intend to plead.
Read on for further information on Extortion With Threats to Kill.
The offence
Section 27 of the Crimes Act 1958.
The prosecution must prove:
The defendant made a demand.
The demand was accompanied by a threat to:
Kill or injure a person other than the defendant or an accomplice of the defendant; or
Commit an act which would endanger the life of a person other than the defendant or an accomplice of the defendant.
The defendant intended the recipient of the threat to fear that the threat would be carried out unless the recipient complied with the demand.
The maximum penalty
Level 4 imprisonment being a maximum of 15 years.
Where will my case be heard?
Extortion With Threats to Kill cases can be heard in either the Magistrates Court, County Court or Supreme Court depending on whether it is with other charges. It is a charge that although having in excess of a 10 year maximum, can be heard in the Magistrates’ Court per schedule 2 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.
Questions to consider
Do you have a defence?
If you are pleading guilty, what can you do to minimise your sentence?
What to do next?
Arrange a time to see an experienced criminal lawyer urgently.
Preparation is critical to achieving a favourable outcome in relation to any matter. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
If you have been charged with Extortion With Threats to Kill make an appointment to see one of our specialist criminal lawyers today.
The legislation
Section 27 Extortion with threat to kill
A person who makes a demand of another person—
(a) with a threat to kill or inflict injury on a person (other than the offender or an accomplice of the offender); or
(b) with a threat in circumstances where, if the threat were carried out, the life of a person (other than the offender or an accomplice of the offender) would be endangered—
is guilty of an indictable offence.
Penalty: Level 4 imprisonment (15 years maximum).
