Extortion and Kidnapping Cases

Extortion and kidnapping are profoundly serious crimes that result in significant charges being passed down by law enforcement. At Benjamin Leonardo – The Defenders, our criminal defence lawyers in Sydney are highly experienced in representing clients who have been charged with criminal offences, including extortion or kidnapping charges. With more than 29 years of experience in criminal law, you can rely on the expert criminal lawyers at Benjamin Leonardo to handle your case with absolute professionalism and dedication.

If you, or someone you know, have recently been charged in relation to extortion or kidnapping, reach out to the extortion & kidnapping lawyers at Benjamin Leonardo today to schedule a consultation. Our extortion and kidnapping lawyers are highly knowledgeable in all areas of criminal law and can provide you with an effective defence strategy for your individual case.

Below is some brief information on kidnapping and extortion offences including blackmail, threatening letters, stalking and intimidation, which may offer some background on your particular circumstance.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping involves taking a person from one place to another against their will, and/or holding someone captive. Basic kidnapping offences are classified under section 81 of the Crimes Act of 1900. This type of crime is generally committed with the intent of holding the person for ransom, to obtain some type of advantage or, to assist in the process of another serious crime. Anyone who commits a basic kidnapping offence could be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. However, more serious kidnapping offences, such as those that involve aggravation, bodily harm, or accomplices, can have much more severe penalties, such as the possibility of being imprisoned for up to 25 years. It is common for kidnapping charges to be included alongside other charges as they can play a role in large criminal actions, which is why you see kidnapping and extortion often mentioned together.

Blackmail

Blackmail involves making demands with menace to obtain something, cause a loss to occur, or influence the exercising of public duty. ‘Menaces’ refers to the act of threatening to do something detrimental or unpleasant to another person. Examples of blackmail include threatening to harm a person if they fail to carry out a certain task and, keeping someone hostage and demanding ransom for their release. Blackmail is a serious crime that carries a harsh penalty of imprisonment for up to 14 years.

Threatening Letters

Threatening letters fall under section 31 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). Threatening letters involve documents that contain threats, such as to kill or inflict bodily harm on another person. This is considered a very serious crime with a possible imprisonment of up to 10 years for anyone convicted. It is important to note that an individual can be charged with the crime, even if the letter that they have created is not sent, delivered or received. Simply creating the letter is enough to be convicted. Similarly, an individual can be charged for indirect involvement, even if they themselves did not create the letter.

Stalking & Intimidation

Stalking or intimidating another person with the intent to arouse fear of being physically or mentally harmed is covered under section 13 of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 NSW.

Anyone who is convicted of Stalking and intimidation, could face a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or 50 penalty units which equates to a $5,500 fine.

If you have been charged with an extortion and kidnapping offence, then please get in contact with our extortion and kidnapping Lawyers for a consultation immediately. The extortion & kidnapping lawyers at Benjamin Leonardo have an in-depth understanding of criminal law and are well equipped to defend you in your legal battle. Our criminal defence lawyers in Sydney will provide you with professional legal support that will leave you feeling comfortable and confident.

Benjamin Leonardo, is a Sydney based Criminal Defence Law Firm. Our Sydney criminal lawyers understand the strain criminal cases have on their clients and families alike and provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to their clients. Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Benjamin Leonardo Criminal Lawyers in Penrith, Sydney & Parramatta, provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, please contact Benjamin Leonardo on (02) 9283 3033, for a confidential consultation.