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Is asking money blackmail?
Blackmail consists of threats made to gain anything of value from the other person, such as money, property or sexual favors. However, there is case law that says even if a person committed a crime, the threat to report it may be extortion when accompanied by a demand for money.
What is blackmailing someone for money called?
Attempting to obtain money or other valuables by means of a threat is extortion. By Ave Mince-Didier. Extortion occurs when someone attempts to obtain money or property by threatening to commit violence, accuse the victim of a crime, or reveal private or damaging information about the victim.
What is the difference between extortion and coercion?
When it comes to coercion vs. extortion, we have to understand that those two crimes are similar in nature but different in purpose. Extortion’s purpose is to obtain money or property, while coercion’s purpose is to compel a particular action.
What is the difference between extortion and blackmail?
In contrast to extortion, the term “blackmail” encompasses threats made by private persons to gain anything of value. And generally, a “thing of value” is broadly defined–it includes not only money and property, but also sexual favors.
What does it mean to be blackmailed by someone?
Blackmail involves a threat to do something that would cause a person to suffer embarrassment or financial loss, unless that person meets certain demands. The threat might include: to report a person’s involvement in a crime. In order to avoid the threatened action, a blackmail victim must pay money to the blackmailer or perform some other action.
Is attempted blackmail a felony?
Even if someone “unsuccessfully” blackmails or extorts someone else, they are still guilty of a crime – but in this case, it is attempted blackmail or extortion. Attempted blackmail can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the crime.
What are the penalties for blackmail and extortion in California?
Unlike some other states, in California, blackmail and extortion are classified as felonies and carry a penalty of up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Even if someone “unsuccessfully” blackmails or extorts someone else, they are still guilty of a crime – but in this case, it is attempted blackmail or extortion.