Federal extortion under color of official right charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act) carry up to 20 years in federal prison; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in New Kent County, Virginia, and provides aggressive representation against these serious allegations.
Extortion Under Color of Official Right Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
Understanding Extortion Under Color of Official Right
Federal extortion under the Hobbs Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1951, involves obtaining property through force, violence, fear, or under color of official right affecting interstate commerce. The “under color of official right” prong applies to public officials who misuse their position to obtain property. The maximum penalty is 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.
Last verified: May 2026 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia | 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Cornell LII)
Official Legal References
18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Hobbs Act) — Official U.S. Code via Cornell LII.
U.S. Attorney’s Office — Eastern District of Virginia (justice.gov) — Official site for federal prosecutions in Virginia.
Insider Perspective on Federal Extortion Cases in New Kent County
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 early intervention is critical to preserving evidence and negotiating favorable outcomes.
- Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer.
- Preserve all relevant documents and communications.
- Contact a federal criminal attorney immediately.
- Understand the charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
- Prepare for initial appearance, detention hearing, and arraignment.
- Explore defense strategies including challenging evidence and negotiating with prosecutors.
In New Kent County, federal extortion under color of official right carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
| 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 | N/A (federal) | No parole; federal sentencing guidelines apply; loss of public office; restitution |
Results may vary.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Federal Criminal Defense?
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 New Kent County and throughout Virginia.
Your Federal Criminal Defense Team
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
Case Results in New Kent County
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, P.C. has 4,739+ documented results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Richmond is approximately 25 miles from New Kent County General District Court (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124), with access via I-64 and Route 33.
Federal criminal lawyer near New Kent County.
Serving the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 300, Room 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone: (804) 201-9009 | Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Extortion Charges
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, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors.
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.
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. § 1951, consequences may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions. Consult a Virginia federal criminal attorney for case-specific guidance.
Penalties may include fines, jail time, probation, or other sanctions under 18 U.S.C. § 1951.
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). 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
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. 4 documented results: 3 dismissed/not guilty, 1 reduced/amended (favorable outcome in all reported instances)
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. Bond amount set by magistrate at arrest — personal recognizance for many first-offense misdemeanors; secured bond typical for felonies (bail bondsman charges approximately 10%); public defender eligibility based on income; court-appointed attorney fee: $120 (misdemeanor) to $445+ (felony)
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. Under § 19.2-295.1, penalties can include Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail, up to $2,500 fine; Class 2 misdemeanor: up to 6 months, $1,000; Class 5 felony: 1-10 years (or up to 12 months…. Early legal representation is critical — New Kent County General District Court handles all misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; New Kent County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and all… Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at New Kent County General District Court (misdemeanor) and New Kent County Circuit Court (felony) (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) — consultation by appointment at (888) 437-7747.
Yes, criminal charges carry serious long-term consequences, and early legal representation is critical.
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 (12001 Courthouse Circle, New Kent, VA 23124) is the GDC location.
New Kent County General District Court handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings; Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals.
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Last verified: May 2026 | Page generated: 2026-05-02