A court proceeding shares many parallels to an intricate chess match. The pieces on a chess board are not created equal. And in a court of law, your queen is a talented blackmail or extortion attorney. Much like this precious piece, mistakes from your legal aid can land you in checkmate. The difference between a good and bad attorney isn’t as evident as the physical differences between chess pieces. But fear not — we will tell you how you can identify a queen in a crowd of pawns.
Why A Blackmail Attorney Can Be a Great Ally
Understanding the specific legislation around blackmail in your region can be difficult. At the state level, there is variance in how the crime is charged, what needs to be proven, and the potential penalties it carries. Navigating the emotional toll of internet blackmail is hard enough without the additional burden of the legal landscape. This is why an experienced blackmail attorney can relieve some of this stress.
An extortion lawyer can inform you of your legal blackmail protections, both federally and at the state level. They can acquire these protections and even pursue civil or criminal action against the perpetrator. These actions can be difficult for the victim to try to accomplish on their own and under duress. Consulting legal counsel that specializes in digital blackmail can explain your options and acquire the protection you need.
Cease & Desist letters and Direct Communication
A blackmail attorney can draft a cease-and-desist letter informing the perpetrator of legal consequences if their behavior continues. This may effectively scare off the blackmailer without having to take the case public.
By hiring an extortion attorney, you hand over the responsibility of having to directly communicate with the perpetrator. Instead, your lawyer can speak on your behalf. Sometimes, just knowing you have the right legal aid in your corner can be a great deterrent to blackmailers.
DMCA Takedowns in Cases of Nude Blackmail
Another valuable legal angle a blackmail attorney can walk you through is filing a DMCA takedown notice. This is especially useful in cases of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse. A University of Michigan study found a noticeable gap in successful removal between NCII cases with and without DMCA notices.
The battle against NCII abuse took a huge step with the passing of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. The bill, signed into law in May, gives online platforms 48 hours to remove NCII upon receiving a notice.
Civil Litigation Options
A blackmail attorney can direct your pursuit of financial compensation for the harm that you’ve endured. In cases where the blackmailer’s identity is known, an extortion lawyer can explore civil lawsuits for damages. These include emotional distress, financial losses, and reputational harm. They can also work with you to gain legal injunctions like restraining orders that can prevent further harassment.
Coordination with Law Enforcement
Beyond taking over communication, a blackmail attorney can also act as a liaison between you and law enforcement. This ensures that your evidence is collected in accordance with legal regulations and your case is handled appropriately.
Key Qualifications to Look for In an Extortion Lawyer
You don’t want to choose just any legal counsel when looking to hire an extortion lawyer. You’ll want one who specializes in blackmail, has a good track record, and is upfront about their services.
Experience with Cybercrime and Online Harassment
The challenges of collecting evidence and combatting cybercrimes like blackmail are unique to any other arena of illicit activity. Your lawyer should be well-versed in laws regulating cybercrime. They should also have the resources to obtain and handle digital evidence — whether through an in-house team or external contractors.
Understanding of Evidence Rules and Procedures
Building upon the previous criterion, it’s crucial your blackmail attorney understands how to properly preserve and present digital evidence. Failure to comply with regulations can have crucial evidence and even entire cases thrown out. The wrong extortion attorney can turn a sure-win case into a devastating loss.
Clear Fee Structure and Communication
Let’s be honest, good lawyers charge as much as they can for their services. There’s a reason many people share the sentiment that wealthy people can buy their way out of legal trouble.
Make sure to receive a clear fee structure and a set of agreed-upon deliverables before choosing a blackmail attorney. Different lawyers may charge a flat rate, by the hour, or based on successful results.
Registered and Reputable
The bare-minimum requisite for a blackmail attorney is that they are actually licensed to represent you. You can confirm this by searching for their name in your state’s bar association registry online.
Furthermore, you’ll want to check their track record to make sure that they are licensed and in good standing. Do your own independent research into their public records, referrals, and reviews. This can reveal if they have received any disciplinary action, have any legal malpractice accusations, and confirm their credentials.
How Digital Forensics Corp. Empowers Legal Professionals in Blackmail Cases
Whether you choose to seek legal assistance for your blackmail case or not, you will need evidence. That’s where the team of experts at Digital Forensics Corp. can step in. We know how to track down cybercriminals, unmask their true identity, and provide you with the proof you need.
While we primarily work to prevent exposure and respond if it’s already occurred, we also work with attorneys for those who want to seek justice. Our in-house legal counsel and collaboration with law enforcement allow us to ensure that we preserve evidence. We document our process from the start to certify that our findings can be used in legal proceedings.
If you are a victim of internet blackmail and need to investigate your case, identify your attacker, or simply choose your next move, set down your pawn and pick up the phone. Call our Blackmail Helpline today to speak with one of our specialists and find your best path to victory.
