Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Extortion?

I just read a question here about embezzelment. I read that if a company threatens an employee to take matters to the police unless they pay back money the company believes was taken by the employee that basically that is extortion and illegal!

Is this true? 'Cause it happened to me! I was TOLD to pay back what was taken or this matter would be taken to the police (In their words - the matter would be taken outside the company - and I doubt they meant to the wood shed)And after firing me the matter was reported to the police anyway!

What kind of proof would I need? I'm sure the company would deny any such threats!


Asked on 8/29/04, 6:10 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Extortion?

You misread my answer. I said that such actions *could* result in extortion charges and not that they necessarily amount to extortion in every case. If you are facing embezzlement charges already then you should have a lawyer by now - whether a public defender or private counsel. Ask her whether there is any reason not to report what happened; the answer will depend upon the specific circumstances of your case, and she will be in a much better position to guide you than we are.

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Answered on 8/29/04, 5:20 pm


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