Pennsylvania Sexual Extortion Lawyer

Accused of Sexual Extortion? We Can Help

At Worgul, Sarna, & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Pennsylvania sex crime defense lawyers provides effective defense strategies against a myriad of sex offenses. We understand the complexities of Pennsylvania’s sex crime laws. We work to protect your legal rights, ensuring that you find the best possible solution.

For experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance and a free consultation with a Pennsylvania sexual extortion lawyer, call (412) 281-2146 or contact us online 24/7. Worgul, Sarna & Ness offers statewide representation and is committed to fighting for you.

Statewide Representation for Sex Offenses

Based in Pittsburgh, Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys offer comprehensive and aggressive legal representation for those accused of sex offenses throughout the Commonwealth.

Sexual Extortion Crimes in Pennsylvania

Understanding how the Commonwealth defines sexual extortion can allow you to understand the charges you’re facing and how to address your defense.

18 Pa. Code 3133 says someone is committing sexual extortion if they knowingly or intentionally coerce or cause someone to:

• Participate in or imitate sexual activities.
• Strip off all clothing
• Create, generate, or distribute images of the nude individual.
• Create, generate, or distribute images of the individual engaging in or mimicking a sexual act.

The law also states the defendant is sexually blackmailing the alleged victim if they act in various threatening means, like:

• Harming the victim
• Threatening harm to the victim, their reputation, their property, or anything that holds value to them
• Making and distributing, or threatening to make or distribute a video or image of the victim naked or engaging in sexual behavior
• Revealing or threatening to reveal information that would result in criminal or civil proceedings or subject them to hatred, embarrassment, or scorn.
• Denying or threatening to deny a service, job, or something else of value from the victim
• Threatening to or causing harm or loss to befall the victim, a member of their family, or a household member.

What Does Sexual Blackmail Look Like?

Committing sexual extortion, also known as sextortion, coercion, or exploitation, implies that the defendant is seeking quid pro quo from the alleged victim. If you’re accused of sexual extortion, you are seeking to gain something from the victim with threats.

What Are the Goals of Sexual Extortion?

The goal could be to get sensitive materials, like nude photos or compromising video. You might also be seeking property or leverage over the person. Sexual extortion charges imply that you sought something from someone else through sexually threatening means.

Examples of Sexual Extortion

Suppose you were hiring for a job at your business. An applicant attends an interview, and you decide to offer them the job on the condition that they take a nude photo for your enjoyment.

You could also be accused of sexual extortion if you threaten to release an ex’s sensitive materials if they don’t comply with your wishes.

Sexual Extortion Penalties: Grading Offenses & Sentencing in PA

Sexual exploitation charges can range in severity, meaning they can carry different sentences and punishments.

Most sexual extortion charges will be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. This is the most severe category of misdemeanor offenses in Pennsylvania. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Under certain circumstances, you could face harsher charges than a first-degree misdemeanor. You may be charged with third-degree felony sexual extortion if:

• You are over 18 and the victim is younger than 18;
• The victim has an intellectual disability;
• You are in a position of trust or power over the victim (coach, counselor, guardian, etc);
• The violation is part of a pattern of action;
• You have been convicted of sexual extortion in the past.

If you’ve been charged with third-degree felony sexual extortion, you’ll face a sentence of up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.

There may also be sentencing enhancements, depending on certain factors within your case.

Jurisdiction in Pennsylvania Sexual Extortion Cases

Different scenarios can arise if you and the victim live in different parts of the state. The prosecution will have the choice of filing charges against you either in your home county or in the victim’s.

In most cases, it’s expected that the cases will be filed in the victim’s county of residence. Finding a lawyer who can help you at your home and in the victim’s county is critical. The lawyers at Worgul, Sarna & Ness provide statewide coverage, so your case is covered no matter where the prosecution files charges.

Defenses Against Sexual Extortion

Everyone has a right to defend themselves in a court of law. There are a few strategies available that can help you if you’ve been accused of committing sexual extortion against an ex, a coworker, an employee, or anyone who feels you’re acted wrongly.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, the prosecution has to prove beyond a shadow of a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. That means your attorney can help you devise a defense that casts doubt on the prosecution’s side of the story.

There Was No Threat

With help from your sex crimes defense lawyer, you can show that you never made a threat or sought to gain anything from the alleged victim. Sexual extortion charges rest on the fact that you acted against the victim to gain something.

If you can show that you never made a threat, you can show that there were never grounds to begin with.

Any Alleged Threat Was Impossible

Under this defense, you are claiming that the alleged victim knew that any threat that may have been perceived was impossible to enact.

That means you, as the defendant, did not have the resources, capability or intent to follow through on any kind of alleged threat. If there was no threat, there was no perceivable harm.

Charges Were Based on False Accusations

Although it’s a common practice to believe an alleged victim, not every crime that’s reported has actually happened. There’s a distinct possibility the “victim” is trying to damage your reputation.

You can work with your lawyer to identify any ulterior motives that may get your charges dropped or secure your acquittal.

Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness?

Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience and prior success in assisting people battle sexual extortion claims by aggressively defending them. Our Pennsylvania sex crime defense law firm is recognized for:

• Skill & Impressive Results in Sex Offense Cases
• Exhaustive Independent Investigations & Tailored Strategies
• Client-Focused Representation & Comprehensive Advocacy
• Statewide Availability & Ongoing Legal Support

Worried About Sexual Extortion Charges? Call for a Free Consult

Facing accusations of sexual misconduct alone is difficult.  If you’re concerned about your rights and future after a sexual extortion charge, you need legal counsel that takes your charges seriously. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, our team handles sex offense cases across the state. We craft defenses to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom.

Don’t wait to protect yourself. Call (412) 281-2146 or submit a request 24/7 for a free consultation. An experienced sex crime lawyer in Pennsylvania will explain your options and what comes next.