A court proceeding is like 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 attorney. Much like this precious piece, mistakes from your legal help can land you in checkmate. The difference between a good and bad attorney is not as evident as the physical differences between chess pieces, so 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, but an experienced attorney can help relieve some of this stress.
A lawyer can inform you of your blackmail protections, both federally and at the state level. They can help you acquire legal protections like restraining orders and even pursue civil or criminal action against the perpetrator, all from a professional and logistical standpoint. This can be a lot for the victim to try to digest under duress, so consulting legal counsel that specializes in digital blackmail cases can be extremely beneficial.
Cease & Desist letters and Direct Communication:
An extortion lawyer can help you draft a cease-and-desist letter that informs the perpetrator that legal action will be taken if their harassment continues. This may effectively scare off the blackmailer without having to take the case public.
By hiring a blackmail attorney, you hand over the responsibility of having to directly communicate with the perpetrator, as your lawyer can speak on your behalf. Sometimes, just knowing you have the right legal aid ready to assist can be a great deterrent for your blackmailer exposing the content they have on you.
DMCA Takedowns in Cases of Nude Blackmail
Another valuable legal angle a blackmail attorney can help you take is filing a DMCA takedown notice. This is especially helpful in cases of NCII abuse. In cases that were accompanied by a DMCA notice compared to ones that weren’t, a University of Michigan study found a noticeable gap in the successful removal of intimate images.
The battle to remove nonconsensual nude from the internet took a huge step in the right direction with the House’s passing of the TAKE IT DOWN act in late April. The bill, which now awaits the President’s official signing into law, will give online platforms 48 hours to remove NCII upon receiving a notice from the victim.
Civil Litigation Options
Depending on the cyber blackmail legislation in your area, an extortion lawyer may be able to help you pursue financial compensation for the harm that you’ve endured. In cases where the extortionist’s identity is known, an attorney can explore civil lawsuits for damages. These include emotional distress, financial losses, and reputational harm. They can also help you gain legal injunctions like restraining orders that can prevent further harassment.
Coordination with Law Enforcement
Beyond taking over communication with the perpetrator, a blackmail attorney can also act as a liaison between you and law enforcement. This can help ensure that your evidence is produced in accordance with legal regulations and that your case is handled appropriately.
Key Qualifications to Look for In a Blackmail Lawyer
You don’t want to choose just any legal counsel when looking to hire a blackmail lawyer. You will want an attorney who specializes in extortion cases, has a good track record, and is upfront about their services and cost.
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 and have the resources to obtain and properly handle digital evidence — whether through an in-house team or external contractors.
Understanding of Evidence Rules and Procedures
To build upon the previous criterion, it is crucial your blackmail attorney understands how to properly preserve and present digital evidence in the courtroom. Failure to comply with regulations can have crucial evidence and even entire cases thrown out, turning a sure-win case into a devastating loss.
Clear Fee Structure & Communication
Let’s be honest, good lawyers charge as much as they can for their services. There’s a reason that 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 lawyer for your cyber blackmail case. 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 lawyer 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 will want to look into their track-record to make sure that they are not only licensed, but in good standing. Do your own independent research into their public records, referrals, and reviews to see 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 help for your blackmail case or not, you will need evidence to combat your harasser. That’s where the team of experts at DFC can help. 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 help us 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 help investigating your case, identifying your attacker, or simply choosing 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.
