Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Extortion involving a minor

I have a very angry son 17 year old son. He will be 18 in two weeks. He has been living at his girlfreinds folks house for several months now since we are unable to live together. A few weeks ago he confronted me and demaded $5,000. If I did not pay he threaten to report me to the Child Protection Services for some sort of neglect to him and our other children. In addition, he stated he would report me to the city building department for improvements around my home (which the city is already aware of) and other threats to undermine my business.

I know the first answer is ''get counseling.'' Well that--name removed--all been done...no help there. He also threaten to sue me in small claims court unless I pay. I know what to do with the kid. He turns 18 in two weeks and he said he is going to file his allegations prior to that while he is still a minor. He has done all of this verbally and since I didn't pay him the $5,000 a couple of weeks ago it just went up to $7,500 tonight. I want to teach him a lesson but I'm not sure how to handle it. Any Suggestions on my rights would be appreciated in this matter.


Asked on 12/08/08, 10:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Extortion involving a minor

Tell him you love him but 'take a hike'. Wish him well in life. With his attitude, he'll have a hard time staying out of trouble and jail. His threat is actionable criminal extortion, but don't bother yourself about it unless you really are guilty of the criminal or abusive conduct yourself as he threatens.

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Answered on 12/09/08, 5:55 pm


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