Being the victim of extortion can make one feel powerless. It is important to understand that you have options.
It was in mid-August when the Chrisley family took over headlines around the country. First, Todd Chrisley and his wife were indicted for tax evasion, among many other federal charges. Then, Lindsie Chrisley came forward, revealing that both her dad, Todd, and her brother, Chase were extorting her with a sex tape.
The story had many concerned, as it became clear that anyone could fall victim to extortion at any time. So, if you are being extorted by someone, is there anything you can do?
Civil Lawsuits Involving Extortion
Civil lawsuits are filed against at-fault parties when someone else believes they have wronged them. In the Chrisley case, for example, Lindsie could claim in a civil lawsuit that she suffered injury or loss as a result of the extortion. This would be particularly true if her father and brother had released the tape. Her reputation may have been tarnished, and she potentially could have found it difficult to find employment.
When these factors are present, the extortion victims can file a lawsuit against the party that tried to threaten or coerce them. Through these civil lawsuits, wronged parties can claim damages such as lost income and emotional anguish.
In a civil case, the plaintiff, or person bringing the lawsuit, has the burden of proof. This burden is not as great as it is in criminal cases, however. Although the plaintiff does not need to prove that another party coerced them beyond a reasonable doubt, they do have to prove that the other person likely attempted to coerce them.
Collecting Evidence
Evidence is crucial in any legal matter, and this holds true for extortion cases. To prove someone extorted you, either in civil court or to the police, you will need evidence.
If you have already pressed criminal charges against someone for extortion, waiting for a verdict in that case can be helpful. Criminal and civil cases are separate from each other, but a guilty verdict can help prove that the other party is likely liable for paying damages.
To prove a case, either in civil case or when pressing charges, any communication you can provide is also helpful. This could be in the form of a text message or voicemail, or any other manner the other party used to contact you to carry out the extortion. By handing over this evidence to an attorney, he or she can help you get the justice you seek.
Are You in a Legal Dispute? Call Our Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have been the victim of extortion, you have likely suddenly found yourself in a situation in which you never thought you would be. When that is the case, our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys are here to help. We are passionate about ensuring that everyone’s rights are upheld and that our clients are treated fairly at all times. If you are involved in a legal dispute, call our office today at (404) 585-5088 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.