QUESTION
Does my friend acts considered as extortion?
Asked on Oct 09th, 2013 on Personal Injury - Michigan
More details to this question:
I had argument with one of my friend two weeks ago, and it developed to be serious and I slapped his face. After few days later, he showed up with little bruise on his face. He threatens me with the consequence how I will be end up with if he reports this to police. And he asked me $5000 to cover this issue. He did not sue me yet or report to police. He came by himself for asking money. Is this considered as extortion? The money he asked is too much and he does not want to reduce or negotiation amount of money he wants me to pay.
7 ANSWERS
Ronald A. Steinberg
That is extortion. Report his threat to the cops. Do it NOW. Then he is powerless. He could sue you civilly, but as a practicing lawyer, I can tell you that his "claim" is not worth any more than a few hundred dollars at most.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 3:05 PM
Litigation Attorney serving San Antonio, TX
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Graves Law Firm
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If he hasn't reported the assault to the police in more than two weeks, he's going to have a tough time getting you prosecuted criminally. If he sues you civilly, he's going to have a tough time getting anything like a $5,000 award for a small bruise with no medical treatment. I wouldn't call it extortion, but he is asking you to pay a much higher price for what you did than you're likely to have to pay if you just say no and let him choose his next move. No guarantees, of course. Anything is possible, but based on the facts you've stated, his desired outcome is highly unlikely unless you just give in and pay him the $5,000 he's demanded.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 12:20 PM
4 Awards
In Louisiana, and most other states, threatening criminal prosecution in order to obtain financial gain can be considered extortion. A person in this position should report the person attempting to extort money to the police or district attorney. That person should also be aware that there is a possibility that the self-reporting may also result in being charged with a misdemeanor battery charge, which can carry a fine or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Someone in this situation should immediately consult with an attorney and obtain their assistance in reporting the extortion and defending the battery charge.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alexandria, VA
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Michael J. Sgarlat
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Any threat to bring criminal charges if you do not pay $$$ is extortion. Were there any witnesses to the conversation?
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney serving Syracuse, NY
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Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.
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Well, it's not considered extortion because he's only threatening to do what he has the legal right to do anyway, which is to report you to the police or sue you. A lawyer can't threaten criminal prosecution in order to obtain a civil settlement, but if it's the (ex)friend himself, he can probably get away with it. Even if he does sue you, there is no way he is going to get 5 grand. A few hundred bucks, maybe, if that. Stall. If he takes too much longer to report it to the cops, they won't be interested in pursuing it (they might not anyway).
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 10:39 AM
Thomas Edward Gates
It is extortion, do not pay.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 10:39 AM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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It is certainly close to extortion. He is not a friend. See an attorney.
Answered on Oct 10th, 2013 at 10:28 AM