Extortion Under Color of Official Right lawyer Maryland, MD

You are a public official in Maryland—an elected county commissioner, a state agency director, a municipal officer. You answer a knock at the door and two federal agents identify themselves. They accuse you of accepting payments in exchange for official acts, of using your position to enrich yourself, of extortion under color of official right. In an instant, your career, reputation, and freedom hang in the balance. The charge arises under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951, which makes it a federal crime for anyone acting under color of official right to obtain property from another with their consent induced by the wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases actively in federal court, often following lengthy grand jury investigations. If convicted, you face up to twenty years in federal prison—no parole, just the full weight of the federal sentencing guidelines. In that moment, what you need most is an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who understands both the law and the local federal landscape. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., represents clients facing serious federal charges throughout Maryland, including in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding the Accusation and Your Defense Options

A charge of extortion under color of official right does not require the government to prove that you used force or threats. What matters is that you, as a public official, obtained money or property to which you were not entitled and that you did so under the pretense of exercising your official authority. The government must establish that you knowingly and intentionally used your office to obtain property, and that the victim’s consent—however reluctant—was induced by your apparent official power. Critically, the act must have affected interstate commerce, a nexus the prosecution frequently satisfies even when the transaction appears purely local.

Because the charge turns on the abuse of official position, defense strategies often focus on the lack of a genuine quid pro quo, the absence of a clear official act, or evidence that any payment was a lawful campaign contribution or a bona fide gift. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every facet of the government’s case: Was there actually a connection between the payment and an official act? Did the defendant merely receive a gratuity without any corrupt intent? Did the government overstep in its investigation or fail to disclose exculpatory evidence? Early intervention can make a decisive difference—an experienced defense team can engage with prosecutors before indictment, present exculpatory information, and, in some circumstances, persuade the government to decline prosecution. Every case is unique, and the approach must be tailored to the specific facts.

What to Expect When Facing Federal Charges in Maryland

Federal criminal proceedings follow a path distinct from state court. If you learn of an investigation, you may have received a target letter, been approached by agents, or had your home or office searched. The investigation phase can last months, often involving the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, or other federal agencies. The case is handled by an Assistant U.S. Attorney from the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office. If the Grand Jury returns an indictment, you will be arrested and arraigned in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, either at the Baltimore or Greenbelt courthouse. At arraignment, you enter a plea. Then begins the pretrial phase, during which your lawyer negotiates with the government, files motions to suppress evidence, and explores avenues for dismissal or a favorable plea agreement. If the case goes to trial, a jury will decide guilt, and, if convicted, the judge imposes sentence under the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The firm’s team guides you through each step, protecting your rights and building the strong $1.

Potential Penalties and Consequences

Under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, the maximum prison term for extortion under color of official right is 20 years.

Source: 18 U.S.C. § 1951. 18 U.S.C. § 1951

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.

Beyond imprisonment, a court may impose substantial fines, order restitution to victims, and require supervised release following any term of incarceration. Unlike state court, the federal system has no parole—you serve the sentence imposed. A felony conviction also carries collateral consequences: loss of the right to vote, hold public office, possess firearms, and potentially disbarment or loss of professional licenses. For a public official, the reputational harm is often immediate and irreversible. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to mitigate these consequences at every stage, from presenting mitigation at sentencing to seeking alternatives to incarceration when appropriate.

Why Clients Turn to Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He has built a practice that spans complex federal criminal defense across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and New York. He understands how federal prosecutors build cases—the investigative techniques, the charging decisions, and the strategies they employ to secure convictions. That insight informs his defense representation from the moment a client first contacts the firm. He is supported by his Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive experience in criminal litigation, including former assistant state’s attorneys with thorough knowledge of Maryland’s legal community. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel provide a thorough, well-prepared defense to each client. The firm’s Maryland location is at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. All consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is extortion under color of official right?

Extortion under color of official right occurs when a public official knowingly obtains property from another person under the pretense of official authority. The crime is codified in 18 U.S.C. § 1951, known as the Hobbs Act. To secure a conviction, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant (1) was a public official, (2) obtained property to which they were not entitled, (3) acted under color of official right, and (4) the offense affected interstate commerce. Color of official right means the defendant used the power or influence of their office. Mere acceptance of a payment, even if unsolicited, can violate the statute if the defendant knew it was given because of their official position.

How does the government prove “color of official right”?

The prosecution proves color of official right by showing that the public official used the authority of their office to obtain property. This does not require an explicit threat or demand. Circumstantial evidence—such as the timing of payments relative to official acts, internal communications, or a pattern of accepting benefits—is often sufficient. The government may also rely on testimony from cooperating witnesses who describe how the official invoked their office. Because the burden of proof is lower than for traditional extortion, building a defense requires a meticulous analysis of the evidence to challenge the inference of corrupt intent.

What should I do if I am under federal investigation for extortion in Maryland?

If you suspect you are under investigation, do not speak to federal agents without an attorney present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Anything you say can be used against you. The agents may tell you they just want to talk—but that conversation can become the foundation of an obstruction or false-statements charge. Immediately contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. Early involvement often shapes the outcome: counsel can engage with prosecutors before charges are filed, preserve evidence that supports your defense, and protect your rights during searches, interviews, and grand jury proceedings.

What are the penalties for a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1951?

The maximum penalty is twenty years in federal prison, plus fines and restitution. There is no parole in the federal system, so any sentence imposed means serving a substantial portion of that time. The court may also order forfeiture of assets traceable to the offense. Beyond incarceration, a felony conviction results in a permanent criminal record, loss of civil rights, and professional disqualification. Sentencing is guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the amount of money involved, the defendant’s role in the offense, and other factors. An experienced defense attorney can advocate for a lower sentence by presenting mitigating evidence and arguing for departures or variances from the guideline range.

Can I fight the charges and obtain a favorable outcome?

Yes, many individuals charged with extortion under color of official right have achieved dismissals, acquittals, or reduced charges through diligent defense. Success depends on the specific facts, the strength of the government’s evidence, and the skill of your legal team. Strategies may include challenging the sufficiency of the grand jury evidence, filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, demonstrating that no official act occurred, or negotiating a plea to a lesser offense. While no outcome can be past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, an active and well-prepared defense can make a critical difference. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Do I need an attorney who is familiar with the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland?

Yes, choosing an attorney with experience in the District of Maryland is essential because federal practice is governed by local rules, local court culture, and the specific practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland. The court operates in two divisions—Baltimore and Greenbelt—and the judges in each have distinct pretrial and trial procedures. An attorney who regularly appears in that court understands how motions are handled, how discovery is managed, how plea negotiations proceed, and what approaches resonate with the judges and prosecutors. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear in the District of Maryland and are familiar with its protocols.

If you or someone you know is facing an extortion investigation or charge in Maryland, prompt legal counsel is vital. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Today at (888) 437-7747 to request a confidential consultation. Appointments are available at our Rockville location and by arrangement.