Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

extortion

I have been charged with extortion by the district attoneys office. I sent a letter to a person who had assaulted me twice asking for damages to be paid for medical bills and lost wages and pain and suffering. I informed him if he did not agree to the asking sum that I would take legal action against him. I got this information to write this letter from a NOLO book on civil claims. My biggest problem is that I put my attorneys name on the letter instead of mine. My attorney rightfully was upset and told me she did not want to represent me further, which I agreeed. Is this extortion or just damn bad judgement on my part. Does the DA have a case against me or shouldn't the attorney be the one who would be seeking damages.


Asked on 5/22/06, 12:22 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jason Shyres Law Offices of Jason Shyres

Re: extortion

What is the exact penal code violation you are being charged with?

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Answered on 5/22/06, 12:29 pm
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: extortion

Extortion is usually threatening criminal or administrative action to gain advantage in a civil case. It seems to me like there must be more to the story for you to be charged with extortion.

I would absolutely not represent anyone who put my name on a so-called demand letter to make it appear that the letter came from me.

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Answered on 5/22/06, 2:17 am


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