What is Blackmail?
Blackmail is the act of making threats to someone that, unless they do as you demand, you will reveal private or embarrassing information about them. This information is usually very personal and might cause harm or humiliation to the person or to his family or loved ones. How is Blackmail Different Than Extortion?Blackmail is often considered to be a form of extortion, although the two crimes are actually quite different. Unlike extortion, if you commit blackmail, the action that you are offering to refrain from taking is a legal one. In other words, other than the moral implications of what you are you doing, your exposure of the information at hand is not technically a crime. Blackmail, or using that information to threaten someone else, however, is a crime. What Are the Consequences Of Blackmail?Like extortion, blackmail is a felony, and the penalties may include the following: - imprisonment;
- heavy fines;
- probation
What Should I Do If Someone is Blackmailing Me?If someone is threatening to reveal personal and private information about you, your family, or a loved one, you should inform the police immediately.
What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Blackmail?If you are accused of blackmail, extortion, or any crime, you should contact a criminal law attorney immediately. He or she will be able to determine which defenses may be available to you and represent you in court if needed. |
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