{"id":101600,"date":"2025-12-25T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/extortion\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T10:03:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T09:03:13","slug":"extortion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/extortion\/","title":{"rendered":"Extortion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Extortion<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-erpressung\" data-level=\"2\">Extortion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-objektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">objective elements of the offence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-prufungsschritte\" data-level=\"3\">Steps of legal assessment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\" data-level=\"2\">Distinction from other offences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-konkurrenzen\" data-level=\"3\">Concurrences:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\" data-level=\"2\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Public prosecutor&#8217;s office:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gericht\" data-level=\"3\">Court:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigte-person\" data-level=\"3\">Accused person:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxisbeispiele\" data-level=\"2\">Practical example<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-subjektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">subjective elements of the offence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\" data-level=\"2\">Culpability and mistakes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\" data-level=\"2\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Diversion:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ausschluss-der-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\" data-level=\"2\">Sentencing and consequences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\" data-level=\"3\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\" data-level=\"3\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafrahmen\" data-level=\"2\">Penalty Range<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\" data-level=\"2\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\" data-level=\"2\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\" data-level=\"2\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Local Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-instanzenzug\" data-level=\"3\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\" data-level=\"2\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-ermittlungsbeginn\" data-level=\"3\">Commencement of Investigation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\" data-level=\"3\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-akteneinsicht\" data-level=\"3\">Access to files<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"3\">Main Hearing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Rights of the accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\" data-level=\"2\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\" data-level=\"2\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-erpressung\">Extortion<\/h2>\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a>, <strong>extortion<\/strong> occurs when a person <strong>uses force or dangerous threats<\/strong> to coerce another person into an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that <strong>causes financial damage<\/strong>, and in doing so <strong>acts intentionally<\/strong> to <strong>unlawfully enrich<\/strong> themselves or a third party. The perpetrator does <strong>not directly access the item itself<\/strong>, but <strong>forces the victim to engage in asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p>The injustice of extortion lies in the <strong>combination of coercion with a targeted attack on assets<\/strong>. The crucial point is that the <strong>financial damage is a direct result of the coercion<\/strong> and the perpetrator <strong>at least tacitly accepts<\/strong> this enrichment.  <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-f014c6a5 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-60e61cc5\">\n<p><strong>Extortion occurs<\/strong> when someone <strong>uses force or dangerous threats<\/strong> to force <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> in order to <strong>unlawfully enrich<\/strong> themselves or a third party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-613eb3e6\"><picture>\n\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp\" alt=\"Extortion as per \u00a7 144 StGB explained in an understandable way. Requirements, typical cases and criminal consequences in Austria.\" >\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eIn the case of extortion, it is not who has the money in their hand at the end that matters, but whether the victim commits an act that damages assets under duress or dangerous threat.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektiver-tatbestand\">objective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p>The objective element of the offense covers exclusively the <strong>externally perceptible events<\/strong>. The only thing that matters is what a <strong>neutral observation<\/strong> could determine, i.e., <strong>actions, procedures, resources used, and consequences that occurred<\/strong>. <strong>Internal processes<\/strong> such as thoughts, motives, or intent are <strong>not<\/strong> included and are disregarded. <\/p>\n\n<p>The objective element of <strong>extortion under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong> requires that the perpetrator <strong>influences a person through force or dangerous threats<\/strong> and thereby induces them to perform an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that <strong>causes financial damage<\/strong> to the coerced person or a third party. Unlike robbery, the perpetrator does <strong>not directly access an item themselves<\/strong>, but <strong>forces the victim to engage in asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>coercive act<\/strong> consists of the victim <strong>becoming active themselves as a result of the force or threat<\/strong> or <strong>omitting<\/strong> a specific behavior. The financial damage occurs <strong>precisely because<\/strong> the victim <strong>yields to the coercion<\/strong>. The crucial point is therefore that the <strong>financial disadvantage is brought about indirectly through the behavior of the victim<\/strong> and <strong>not through a removal by the perpetrator<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>instrument of the crime<\/strong> must be directed <strong>against a person<\/strong>. <strong>Force<\/strong> exists when <strong>physical coercion<\/strong> is exerted or directly aims to <strong>break the victim&#8217;s resistance<\/strong>. A <strong>dangerous threat<\/strong> exists if the victim is promised a <strong>significant disadvantage<\/strong> that is likely to cause <strong>serious fear<\/strong>. The <strong>force or threat<\/strong> must be <strong>functionally linked to the asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> and <strong>enable or secure<\/strong> it.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The objective element of the offense is fulfilled as soon as <strong>financial damage occurs as a result of the forced behavior<\/strong>. It is <strong>not necessary<\/strong> for the perpetrator to obtain an item themselves or to permanently dispose of it. The focus of the injustice lies in the <strong>combination of coercion and financial damage<\/strong>, not in an act of removal.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prufungsschritte\">Steps of legal assessment<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatsubjekt\">Perpetrator:<\/h4>\n\n<p>The subject of the crime can be <strong>any person who is criminally responsible<\/strong>. <strong>Special personal characteristics<\/strong> are not required.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatobjekt\">Object of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p>The object of the offense is the <strong>assets of the coerced person or a third party<\/strong>, which are <strong>damaged by the forced behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tathandlung\">Act: <\/h4>\n\n<p>The act consists of <strong>coercion through force or dangerous threats<\/strong> to an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taterfolg\">Result of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p>The result of the crime lies in the <strong>occurrence of financial damage<\/strong> as a <strong>direct consequence<\/strong> of the forced behavior.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kausalitat\">Causality:<\/h4>\n\n<p>The financial damage must be <strong>causally related to the force or threat<\/strong>. <strong>Without the coercion<\/strong>, the damaging behavior <strong>would not have been committed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektive-zurechnung\">Objective Attribution: <\/h4>\n\n<p>The result is objectively attributable if <strong>exactly that risk materializes<\/strong> that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a> is intended to prevent, namely that <strong>assets are damaged by force or dangerous threats through the behavior of the victim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe distinction from robbery is simple and is often overlooked in practice: in robbery, the perpetrator takes the item themselves; in extortion, they cause the victim to dispose of the assets under duress.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\">Distinction from other offences<\/h2>\n\n<p>The element of <strong>extortion under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong> covers cases in which a person is coerced <strong>by force or dangerous threats<\/strong> into an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that <strong>causes financial damage<\/strong>. The focus of the injustice lies in the <strong>combination of coercion with an indirect attack on assets<\/strong>. The crucial point is not a removal by one&#8217;s own hand, but that the <strong>victim themselves commits the asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> because they <strong>yield to the coercion<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u00a7 105 StGB \u2013 Coercion<\/strong>: <strong>Coercion<\/strong> covers cases in which someone is forced <strong>by force or dangerous threats<\/strong> into an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> <strong>without causing financial damage<\/strong>.<br\/>In the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, the <strong>asset reference is a mandatory component<\/strong> of the offense. The forced behavior must <strong>objectively lead to financial damage<\/strong>. If this asset component is missing, there is <strong>no extortion<\/strong>, but <strong>merely coercion<\/strong>.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00a7 142 StGB \u2013 Robbery:<\/strong> <strong>Robbery<\/strong> covers constellations in which the perpetrator <strong>takes or extorts a foreign movable item themselves<\/strong>, namely <strong>using force against a person or by threatening with present danger to life or limb<\/strong>.<br\/>In the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, this <strong>direct act of removal<\/strong> is missing. The perpetrator <strong>forces a behavior of the victim<\/strong>, through which the <strong>financial damage is only brought about<\/strong>. The decisive factor is therefore <strong>who causes the transfer of assets<\/strong>: in robbery, the <strong>perpetrator acts themselves<\/strong>, in extortion <strong>the victim acts under duress<\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-konkurrenzen\">Concurrences:<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-echte-konkurrenz\">Genuine Concurrence: <\/h4>\n\n<p>Genuine concurrence exists if further <strong>independent offenses<\/strong> are added to the <strong>extortion<\/strong>, such as <strong>bodily injury, property damage, deprivation of liberty, or dangerous threats<\/strong>. In these cases, the elements of the offense <strong>continue to exist side by side<\/strong>, as <strong>different legal interests<\/strong> are violated and <strong>no displacement<\/strong> occurs. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unechte-konkurrenz\">Spurious Concurrence:<\/h4>\n\n<p>A <strong>sham concurrence<\/strong> comes into consideration if another element of the offense completely covers the <strong>entire injustice content of the extortion<\/strong>. This is particularly the case if the <strong>coercion and the financial damage<\/strong> are absorbed into a <strong>more specific offense<\/strong>. In these constellations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a> <strong>recedes<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatmehrheit\">Multiple Offenses: <\/h4>\n\n<p><strong>Multiplicity of acts<\/strong> exists if several <strong>acts of extortion are committed independently<\/strong>, for example in the case of <strong>coercive situations separated in time<\/strong> or in the case of <strong>different financial damages<\/strong>. Each act forms its <strong>own criminal unit<\/strong>, provided that <strong>no natural unit of action<\/strong> exists. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fortgesetzte-handlung\">Continued Action: <\/h4>\n\n<p>A <strong>single act<\/strong> can be assumed if several <strong>acts of coercion and financial damage<\/strong> are in <strong>close temporal and factual connection<\/strong> and are supported by a <strong>uniform plan of action<\/strong>. The act ends as soon as <strong>no further coercion<\/strong> occurs or the perpetrator abandons his <strong>intention to commit the act<\/strong>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eAnyone who enforces a claim with pressure does not automatically commit extortion. It only becomes a criminal offense if force or a dangerous threat forces the victim to suffer a financial disadvantage. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-staatsanwaltschaft\">Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office: <\/h3>\n\n<p>The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must prove that the accused has committed <strong>extortion<\/strong>. The crucial point is the proof that the accused has <strong>influenced a person through force or dangerous threats<\/strong> and thereby induced them to perform an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that <strong>causes financial damage<\/strong>. The crucial point is not an act of removal, but the <strong>coercion<\/strong>, through which the victim themselves has committed the <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>It must be proven, in particular, that<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>an act of coercion<\/strong> was actually committed by force or dangerous threat,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>force or threat was directed against a person<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the victim has committed an action, toleration, or omission <strong>as a result of the coercion<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>this behavior has <strong>objectively led to financial damage<\/strong> to the victim or a third party,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>causal connection exists between coercion and financial damage<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the financial damage was <strong>a direct result of the coercion<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must also demonstrate whether the alleged <strong>use of force or threat<\/strong> and the <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> are objectively ascertainable, for example through <strong>witness statements, communication records, video recordings, medical findings, payment flows, contracts, transfers or other comprehensible circumstances<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gericht\">Court: <\/h3>\n\n<p>The court examines all evidence <strong>in the overall context<\/strong> and assesses whether, according to objective standards, there is <strong>coercion by force or dangerous threat<\/strong> that has <strong>causally led to financial damage<\/strong>. The focus is on the question of whether the victim acted <strong>under duress<\/strong> and whether this duress was <strong>functional for the financial disadvantage<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p>In doing so, the court particularly considers:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Type, intensity, and course<\/strong> of the use of force or threat,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>temporal connection<\/strong> between coercion and asset-damaging behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>specific behavior of the victim<\/strong> and their freedom of choice,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>witness statements on the course of the act and the participation of the accused,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication content<\/strong>, payment receipts, or other objective evidence,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>circumstances that indicate a <strong>serious coercive situation<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>reasonable average person<\/strong> would assume <strong>coercion-induced behavior<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The court clearly distinguishes between <strong>mere pressure situations without coercive quality<\/strong>, <strong>purely verbal conflicts<\/strong>, socially customary influences, and cases in which the <strong>financial damage is not based on force or dangerous threat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigte-person\">Accused Person: <\/h3>\n\n<p>The accused person bears <strong>no burden of proof<\/strong>. However, she can point out <strong>reasonable doubts<\/strong>, especially regarding <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>whether <strong>force or a dangerous threat<\/strong> was actually used,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the coercion constituted a <strong>serious threat situation<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>causal connection<\/strong> existed between coercion and financial damage,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the victim&#8217;s behavior was <strong>voluntary<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether there was only <strong>psychological pressure without factual intensity<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the alleged <strong>financial damage actually occurred<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>contradictions or gaps<\/strong> in the presentation of the course of events,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>alternative courses of events<\/strong> that could explain the financial disadvantage differently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>It can also demonstrate that actions were <strong>misunderstood<\/strong>, <strong>situation-dependent<\/strong>, or <strong>without coercive character<\/strong>, or that the <strong>requirements for extortion<\/strong> are not met.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-typische-bewertungg\">Typical assessment<\/h4>\n\n<p id=\"h-typische-bewertunggin-der-praxis-sind-bei-144-stgb-insbesondere-folgende-beweismittel-von-bedeutung\">In practice, the following evidence is particularly important in the case of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Witness statements<\/strong> on the coercive situation and the victim&#8217;s behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Messages, emails, or other communication records<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment receipts, transfers, or asset shifts<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Video recordings or other objective documentation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>temporal sequences that prove the <strong>connection between coercion and financial damage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eIn extortion proceedings, it is usually not a single sentence that decides the case, but the context of the evidence: chats, payment flows, and the temporal sequence must fit together cleanly.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxisbeispiele\">Practical example<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forced payment of money by threat:<\/strong> The perpetrator threatens a person with <strong>physical violence<\/strong> if they do not hand over a certain amount of money to them. In order to avoid an escalation, the victim pays the money out of their own action. The perpetrator <strong>does not take the item themselves<\/strong>, but <strong>forces the victim to engage in asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>. The <strong>financial damage<\/strong> arises precisely from the <strong>threat<\/strong> and the behavior set in response. The act fulfills the element of <strong>extortion under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong>.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forced transfer under threat of violence<\/strong>: The perpetrator blocks a person&#8217;s path and demands that they immediately transfer an amount of money via online banking under <strong>threat of physical violence<\/strong>. Fearing an attack, the victim carries out the transfer themselves. The crucial point is that the perpetrator <strong>does not carry out a removal<\/strong>, but <strong>causes the victim to perform an action under duress<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong>. There is <strong>simple extortion<\/strong>, as none of the qualifying circumstances of \u00a7 145 StGB are given.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>These examples show the <strong>typical manifestations of simple extortion under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong>. It is characteristic that the perpetrator forces a behavior <strong>through force or dangerous threats<\/strong> that <strong>leads to financial damage<\/strong>, without operating with the particularly serious threats or methods of the act of \u00a7 145 StGB. The focus of the injustice lies in the <strong>coercion with financial consequences<\/strong>, not in the intensity of the threat or in extraordinary consequences of the act.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-subjektiver-tatbestand\">subjective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p>The subjective element of <strong>extortion under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 StGB<\/a><\/strong> requires <strong>intent with regard to all objective elements of the offense<\/strong>. The perpetrator must know that they are <strong>influencing a person through force or dangerous threats<\/strong> and thereby inducing them to perform an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that <strong>causes financial damage<\/strong> to the victim or a third party. They must recognize that the forced behavior is <strong>not voluntary<\/strong>, but <strong>a result of the coercion<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The perpetrator must therefore understand that their behavior in the overall picture constitutes a <strong>financial damage brought about by coercion<\/strong>. For the intent, it is sufficient that the perpetrator seriously considers the <strong>use of force or dangerous threat<\/strong> as well as the <strong>asset-damaging behavior of the victim<\/strong> to be possible and accepts it. A further intention is not required. <strong>Conditional intent is sufficient<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>The intent must also relate to the <strong>means of the crime<\/strong>. The perpetrator must at least <strong>accept as a possibility<\/strong> that the violence used has a <strong>physical effect<\/strong> or that the threat holds out a <strong>significant disadvantage<\/strong> and is <strong>suitable to induce the victim to engage in the asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>. Likewise, he must recognize or at least consider it possible that there is a <strong>functional connection between coercion and asset damage<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>In addition, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a> requires an <strong>intent to enrich oneself<\/strong>. The perpetrator must at least accept as a possibility that he or a third party <strong>obtains an unlawful financial advantage through the conduct of the coerced party<\/strong>, for example, by obtaining money, claims, services, or other assets. This <strong>internal objective of unlawful enrichment<\/strong> is constitutive for extortion as a property offense.  <\/p>\n\n<p>There is no subjective element of the offense if the perpetrator <strong>seriously assumes<\/strong> to be entitled to the demanded behavior or that the victim acts <strong>voluntarily and without coercion<\/strong>. The same applies if the perpetrator acts <strong>without intent regarding the violence or dangerous threat<\/strong>, for example, because he <strong>does not recognize the coercive effect on the victim or does not at least accept it as a possibility<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\">Culpability and mistakes<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/legal-error\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mistake of prohibition<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p>A mistake of prohibition only excuses if it was <strong>unavoidable<\/strong>. Anyone who engages in conduct that <strong>recognizably interferes with the rights of others<\/strong> cannot claim that they did not recognize the illegality. Everyone is obliged to inform themselves about the <strong>legal limits<\/strong> of their actions. Mere ignorance or a reckless error does not absolve one of responsibility.   <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Principle of culpability:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p>Only those who act <strong>culpably<\/strong> are punishable. Intentional offenses require that the perpetrator recognizes the essential events and at least <strong>accepts them as a possibility<\/strong>. If this intent is lacking, for example, because the perpetrator mistakenly assumes that their behavior is permitted or is <strong>voluntarily supported<\/strong>, at most negligence exists. This is not sufficient for intentional offenses.   <\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Incapacity to be held accountable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>No guilt is attributed to someone who, at the time of the offense, was unable to recognize the injustice of their actions or to act in accordance with this insight due to a <strong>severe mental disorder<\/strong>, a <strong>pathological mental impairment<\/strong>, or a <strong>significant inability to control their actions<\/strong>. In case of corresponding doubts, a <strong>psychiatric assessment<\/strong> will be obtained. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/exculpatory-necessity\/\">Excusable state of necessity<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p>An excusable state of necessity may exist if the perpetrator acts in an <strong>extreme situation of duress<\/strong> in order to avert an <strong>acute danger<\/strong> to their own life or the lives of others. The behavior remains unlawful but can have a <strong>mitigating<\/strong> or excusing effect if there was no other way out. <\/p>\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/erroneous-assumption-of-justifying-circumstances\/\">Putative self-defense<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p>Anyone who mistakenly believes that they are entitled to an act of defense acts without intent if the error was <strong>serious and comprehensible<\/strong>. Such an error can <strong>reduce or exclude guilt<\/strong>. However, if a breach of duty of care remains, a negligent or mitigating assessment comes into consideration, but not a justification.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diversion\">Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p>A <strong>diversion<\/strong> in the case of <strong>extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong> is generally <strong>not excluded<\/strong>, but is only considered in <strong>narrowly limited exceptional cases<\/strong>. The offense requires <strong>coercion by violence or by dangerous threat<\/strong> and thus regularly exhibits a <strong>significant degree of coercion and property injustice<\/strong>. This element of coercion significantly limits the possibility of a diversionary settlement.  <\/p>\n\n<p>In cases where <strong>no significant violence<\/strong> was used, the <strong>dangerous threat exhibits a low intensity<\/strong>, the <strong>asset damage is minor<\/strong>, and the offense has resulted in <strong>only insignificant consequences<\/strong>, a diversion can be <strong>exceptionally considered<\/strong>. With increasing intensity of the threat, higher potential for coercion, or targeted action, the probability of a diversionary settlement decreases significantly. <\/p>\n\n<p>Diversion may be considered if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>overall guilt is minor<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>no significant violence<\/strong> was used,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>dangerous threat is of low intensity<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>asset damage is minor<\/strong> and compensated,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>no planned or repeated behavior<\/strong> exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the facts are <strong>clear and manageable<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the perpetrator is <strong>insightful, cooperative, and willing to make amends<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>If diversion is considered, the court can order <strong>monetary payments, community service, supervision orders, or victim-offender mediation<\/strong>. A diversion leads to <strong>no conviction<\/strong> and <strong>no criminal record entry<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ausschluss-der-diversion\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p>Diversion is excluded if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>significant use of violence<\/strong> or an <strong>intensive dangerous threat<\/strong> exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the accusation involves a <strong>high potential for coercion or endangerment<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the act was committed <strong>deliberately, purposefully, or systematically<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>several <strong>independent acts of extortion<\/strong> exist,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>repeated or systematic behavior<\/strong> is present,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>special <strong>aggravating circumstances<\/strong> are added,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or the overall behavior represents a <strong>serious impairment of the victim&#8217;s freedom of decision<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Only in cases of <strong>clearly minimal guilt<\/strong>, <strong>minimal coercion<\/strong>, and <strong>immediate remorse<\/strong> can it be examined whether an <strong>exceptional diversionary approach<\/strong> is permissible. In practice, diversion in the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong> is only possible in <strong>rare borderline cases<\/strong> and always <strong>depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case<\/strong>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eDiversion is not automatic. Planned action, repetition, or noticeable financial damage often preclude a diversionary settlement in practice. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\">Sentencing and consequences<\/h2>\n\n<p>The court assesses the penalty according to the <strong>extent of the asset damage<\/strong>, according to the <strong>nature, duration, and intensity of the violence or dangerous threat<\/strong>, as well as <strong>how strongly the victim&#8217;s freedom of decision and economic position were impaired<\/strong>. Decisive is whether the perpetrator acted in a <strong>targeted, planned, or repeated manner<\/strong> and whether the behavior caused a <strong>significant coercive effect<\/strong> as well as a <strong>noticeable impairment of assets<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the offense was committed under <strong>intensive use of violence or massive dangerous threat<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>systematic or particularly reckless approach<\/strong> was present,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>significant financial damage<\/strong> has occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>several assets or <strong>economically significant positions<\/strong> were affected,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>acted despite recognizable resistance or <strong>particular vulnerability of the victim<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the act was committed in a <strong>relationship of proximity, dependency, or superiority<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or <strong>relevant prior convictions<\/strong> exist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>a clean record<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>full confession<\/strong> and recognizable insight,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an <strong>immediate cessation<\/strong> of the criminal behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>active efforts at restitution<\/strong> or full compensation for damages,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>special <strong>stress or overstrain situations<\/strong> for the perpetrator,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or an <strong>excessively long duration of proceedings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The court can <strong>conditionally suspend<\/strong> a <strong>prison sentence<\/strong> if it <strong>does not exceed two years<\/strong> and the perpetrator has a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafrahmen\">Penalty Range<\/h2>\n\n<p>For <strong>extortion<\/strong>, a <strong>prison sentence of six months to five years<\/strong> is provided. The penalty range covers cases in which <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> is forced through <strong>violence or dangerous threat<\/strong>, without qualifying circumstances of severe extortion being present. <\/p>\n\n<p>An explicitly regulated <strong>less serious case<\/strong> does not exist in extortion. However, the <strong>specific penalty amount<\/strong> can be in the lower range of the penalty framework if <strong>no significant violence<\/strong> was used, the <strong>threat exhibits only low intensity<\/strong>, the <strong>asset damage is minor<\/strong>, and the offense has resulted in <strong>only insignificant consequences<\/strong>. These circumstances have a <strong>mitigating effect on the penalty<\/strong>, but do not change the statutory penalty framework.  <\/p>\n\n<p>It should also be noted that <strong>not every threat is automatically punishable<\/strong>. Extortion exists <strong>only if<\/strong> the violence or threat used is <strong>immoral<\/strong>, i.e., <strong>unfair, inappropriate, or socially unacceptable<\/strong>. Anyone who pursues a <strong>legitimate concern<\/strong> and does not exert <strong>excessive or inadmissible pressure<\/strong> does <strong>not act unlawfully<\/strong>. If such a <strong>non-immoral<\/strong> constellation exists, the <strong>punishability<\/strong> is already eliminated, so that <strong>no punishment<\/strong> occurs.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/h2>\n\n<p>Austrian criminal law calculates monetary penalties according to the <strong>day-fine system<\/strong>. The <strong>number of day-fines<\/strong> depends on the <strong>guilt<\/strong>, the <strong>amount per day<\/strong> depends on the <strong>financial capacity<\/strong>. In this way, the penalty is adapted to the personal circumstances and yet remains noticeable.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Range:<\/strong> up to <strong>720 daily rates<\/strong> \u2013 at least <strong>\u20ac4<\/strong>, maximum <strong>\u20ac5,000<\/strong> per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical formula:<\/strong> Approximately <strong>6 months imprisonment corresponds to around 360 day-fines<\/strong>. This conversion serves only as <strong>orientation<\/strong> and is <strong>not a rigid scheme<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of non-payment:<\/strong> The court can impose a <strong>substitute custodial sentence<\/strong>. As a rule, the following applies: <strong>1 day of substitute custodial sentence corresponds to 2 day-fines<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hinweis\">Note:<\/h4>\n\n<p>In the case of <strong>extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>in addition to a prison sentence, a monetary penalty is generally possible<\/strong>, especially in cases of lesser guilt or in the lower range of the penalty framework. The day-fine system is therefore <strong>practically relevant<\/strong> and can represent a <strong>genuine alternative to imprisonment<\/strong> in individual cases. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/h2>\n\n<p>\u00a7 37 of the Criminal Code: If the statutory penalty threat extends <strong>up to five years<\/strong>, the court can, under the statutory conditions, impose a <strong>monetary penalty<\/strong> instead of a <strong>short prison sentence of no more than one year<\/strong>. This provision is generally applicable to <strong>extortion<\/strong> because the penalty threat is within the framework. However, this is not an independent monetary penalty threat of the offense, but a <strong>replacement possibility<\/strong> for short prison sentences. This is primarily considered in cases of <strong>lesser guilt<\/strong> and an overall <strong>mild offense<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a7 43 of the Criminal Code: A <strong>conditional suspension<\/strong> of the prison sentence is possible if the imposed sentence <strong>does not exceed two years<\/strong> and the perpetrator has a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong>. This possibility also exists in the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, whereby it is decisive <strong>how intense the violence or threat<\/strong> was and <strong>how high the caused asset damage<\/strong> is. A conditional suspension is realistic above all if the offense is <strong>in the lower range of the penalty framework<\/strong>, <strong>no significant violence<\/strong> was used, and the perpetrator is <strong>remorseful<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a7 43a of the Criminal Code: The <strong>partially conditional suspension<\/strong> allows a combination of <strong>unconditional and conditionally suspended part of the penalty<\/strong>. It is possible for prison sentences <strong>over six months and up to two years<\/strong>. In the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, this form can be particularly significant if the penalty appropriate to the guilt lies <strong>between six months and two years<\/strong> and <strong>no significantly aggravating circumstances<\/strong> exist. It is regularly excluded in cases of <strong>intensive use of violence or massive threat<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/probation-assistance-and-instructions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7\u00a7 50 to 52 of the Criminal Code:<\/a> The court can issue <strong>instructions<\/strong> and order <strong>probation assistance<\/strong>. In the case of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, these often concern <strong>behavior-steering measures<\/strong>, such as conflict resolution, social stabilization, or requirements for <strong>compensation for damages<\/strong>. The goal is to <strong>prevent further criminal offenses<\/strong> and to promote a <strong>lasting social reintegration<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p>For <strong>extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong>, the <strong>Regional Court<\/strong> is in any case competent due to the provided penalty framework of <strong>six months to five years imprisonment<\/strong>. A competence of the <strong>District Court<\/strong> is excluded, as this is only competent for criminal offenses with a penalty threat of up to one year imprisonment. <\/p>\n\n<p>In the <strong>standard case of extortion<\/strong>, the <strong>Regional Court decides through a single judge<\/strong>. This composition corresponds to the statutory basic competence for criminal offenses that are threatened with a prison sentence of more than one year, but not more than five years, and for which no special competence of a lay judge court or jury court is provided. <\/p>\n\n<p>A <strong>lay judge court<\/strong> is <strong>not competent<\/strong> in the case of extortion, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a> neither provides for a penalty threat of over five years nor counts among the offenses expressly assigned to the lay judge court.<\/p>\n\n<p>A <strong>jury court<\/strong> is also <strong>not considered<\/strong>, as the prerequisites for its competence, in particular a penalty threat with life imprisonment or with a prison sentence whose lower limit is more than five years, are not met.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\">Local Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p>The court at the <strong>place of the offense<\/strong> is generally locally competent, i.e., where the <strong>violence or dangerous threat<\/strong> was used and the <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong> was set or brought about.<\/p>\n\n<p>If the place of the offense cannot be clearly determined, the jurisdiction is based on<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>residence of the accused person<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>place of arrest<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or the <strong>seat of the competent public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>The proceedings are conducted where a <strong>practical and orderly implementation<\/strong> is best guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instanzenzug\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/h3>\n\n<p>If a judgment is made by the <strong>Regional Court as a single judge<\/strong>, this is not necessarily final. Both the <strong>convicted person<\/strong> and the <strong>public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong> can take a <strong>legal remedy<\/strong> against the decision. <\/p>\n\n<p>Depending on the type of judgment, an <strong>appeal<\/strong> can be considered. If certain statutory prerequisites are met, a <strong>plea of nullity<\/strong> can additionally be lodged. The decision is then reviewed by a <strong>superior court<\/strong>, which checks whether the procedure was conducted correctly and whether the legal assessment is accurate.  <\/p>\n\n<p>Which type of review is possible depends on <strong>in which composition the Regional Court decided<\/strong> and which <strong>legal questions<\/strong> are challenged.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p>In the case of <strong>extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=144&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong>, the injured person can assert their <strong>civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings<\/strong> as a <strong>private party<\/strong>. Since the extortion is directed at an <strong>asset-damaging behavior forced by violence or dangerous threat<\/strong>, the claims include in particular <strong>monetary payments<\/strong>, <strong>transferred amounts<\/strong>, <strong>surrendered assets<\/strong>, <strong>waivers of claims<\/strong> as well as other <strong>financial disadvantages<\/strong> that have arisen from the forced behavior. <\/p>\n\n<p>Depending on the facts, <strong>consequential damages<\/strong> can also be demanded to be replaced, for example, if the forced payment or action has resulted in <strong>economic disadvantages<\/strong>, liquidity problems, or <strong>operational damages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>The <strong>private party joinder<\/strong> inhibits the <strong>statute of limitations of all asserted claims<\/strong> as long as the criminal proceedings are pending. Only after <strong>legally binding conclusion<\/strong> does the limitation period continue to run, insofar as the damage has not been fully awarded. <\/p>\n\n<p>A <strong>voluntary restitution<\/strong>, such as the <strong>repayment of obtained amounts<\/strong>, a <strong>compensation of the caused damage<\/strong>, or a serious effort to compensate, can have a <strong>mitigating effect on the penalty<\/strong>, provided that it occurs <strong>timely and completely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p>However, if the perpetrator has acted <strong>under significant violence or intensive dangerous threat<\/strong>, <strong>in a planned or repeated manner<\/strong>, or the offense was associated with a <strong>massive coercive situation<\/strong>, a later compensation for damages regularly loses <strong>a large part of its mitigating effect<\/strong>. In such constellations, a subsequent compensation can only <strong>compensate for the injustice of the extortion to a limited extent<\/strong>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201ePrivate party claims must be clearly quantified and documented. Without proper damage documentation, the claim for compensation in criminal proceedings often remains incomplete and shifts to civil proceedings. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ermittlungsbeginn\">Commencement of Investigation<\/h3>\n\n<p>Criminal proceedings require a concrete suspicion, from which a person is considered an accused and can claim all rights of the accused. Since it is an <strong>official offense<\/strong>, the police and public prosecutor&#8217;s office initiate the proceedings <strong>ex officio<\/strong> as soon as a corresponding suspicion exists. A special declaration of the injured party is not required for this.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/h3>\n\n<p>The public prosecutor conducts the preliminary investigation and determines the further course of action. The criminal police carry out the necessary investigations, secure evidence, take witness statements, and document the damage. Ultimately, the public prosecutor decides on <strong>discontinuation<\/strong>, <strong>diversion<\/strong>, or <strong>indictment<\/strong>, depending on the degree of culpability, the amount of damage, and the evidence.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/h3>\n\n<p>Before each interrogation, the accused person receives full instruction on their rights, particularly the <strong>right to remain silent<\/strong> and the <strong>right to legal counsel<\/strong>. If the accused requests legal counsel, the interrogation must be postponed. The formal interrogation of the accused serves to confront them with the accusation and to provide an opportunity for a statement.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-akteneinsicht\">Access to files<\/h3>\n\n<p>Access to files can be obtained from the police, public prosecutor, or court. It also includes items of evidence, provided that the purpose of the investigation is not thereby jeopardized. The private claimant&#8217;s joinder is governed by the general rules of the Code of Criminal Procedure and allows the injured party to assert claims for damages directly in criminal proceedings.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hauptverhandlung\">Main Hearing<\/h3>\n\n<p>The main hearing serves for oral evidence taking, legal assessment, and decision-making on any civil law claims. The court particularly examines the course of events, intent, amount of damage, and the credibility of statements. The proceedings conclude with a conviction, acquittal, or diversionary resolution.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenrechte\">Rights of the accused<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Information &amp; defense: <\/strong>right to notification, legal aid, free choice of defense counsel, translation assistance, and submission of evidence motions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Silence &amp; counsel:<\/strong> right to remain silent at any time; if a defense attorney is requested, the interrogation must be postponed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duty to inform:<\/strong> prompt notification of suspicion and rights; exceptions only permitted to safeguard the purpose of the investigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical access to files:<\/strong> investigation and trial records; access by third parties is restricted to protect the accused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe right steps in the first 48 hours often determine whether a procedure escalates or remains controllable.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maintain silence.<\/strong><br\/>A brief statement is sufficient: \u201cI am exercising my right to remain silent and will first speak with my defense counsel.\u201d<br\/>This right applies from the very first interrogation by the police or the public prosecutor. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contact defense counsel immediately.<\/strong><br\/>No statement should be made without access to the investigation files. Only after reviewing the files can the defense assess which strategy and evidence preservation measures are appropriate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure evidence immediately.<\/strong><br\/>You should secure all available documents, messages, photos, videos, and other records as early as possible and keep copies. Digital data must be regularly backed up and protected from subsequent changes. Note down important individuals as potential witnesses and promptly record the sequence of events in a memorandum.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not contact the opposing party.<\/strong><br\/>Your own messages, calls, or posts may be used as evidence against you. All communication should take place exclusively through your defense counsel. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure video and data recordings in time.<\/strong><br\/>Surveillance videos from public transport, venues, or property management systems are often automatically deleted after only a few days. Requests for data preservation must therefore be submitted immediately to the operators, the police, or the public prosecutor\u2019s office. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document searches and seizures.<br\/>In cases of house searches or seizures, you should request a copy of the warrant or record. Note the date, time, persons involved, and all items taken. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of arrest: make no statements about the matter.<\/strong><br\/>Insist on immediate notification of your defense counsel. Pre-trial detention may only be imposed if there is strong suspicion of guilt and an additional ground for detention. Less severe measures (e.g., pledge, reporting duty, contact ban) must take precedence.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare reparation strategically.<\/strong><br\/>Payments, symbolic gestures, apologies, or other compensatory offers should be handled and documented exclusively through the defense. Structured reparation can positively influence diversion and sentencing. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThose who act thoughtfully, secure evidence, and seek legal assistance early retain control over the proceedings.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n\n<p><strong>Extortion<\/strong> combines <strong>coercion by violence or dangerous threat<\/strong> with <strong>asset damage<\/strong>. The legal assessment depends significantly on the <strong>specific course of events<\/strong>, on the <strong>intensity of the coercion<\/strong>, on the <strong>intent to enrich oneself<\/strong>, as well as on the <strong>evidence situation<\/strong>. Even <strong>slight deviations in the facts<\/strong> can decide whether the offense is fulfilled, whether <strong>mere coercion<\/strong>, <strong>simple extortion<\/strong>, or <strong>severe extortion<\/strong> is considered, or whether the offense is not unlawful due to a lack of <strong>immorality<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p>An <strong>early legal support<\/strong> ensures that the facts are <strong>correctly classified<\/strong>, evidence is <strong>critically assessed<\/strong>, and <strong>exculpatory circumstances<\/strong> are processed in a legally usable manner.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Our law firm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>examines whether the <strong>prerequisites of an extortion<\/strong> actually exist or a <strong>different legal assessment<\/strong> is required,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>analyzes the <strong>evidence situation<\/strong>, in particular regarding <strong>violence, dangerous threat, causality, and asset damage<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clarifies whether the <strong>applied means were immoral<\/strong> or an <strong>exception to the punishability<\/strong> is considered,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>develops a <strong>clear defense strategy<\/strong> that classifies the course of events completely and legally precisely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>As a <strong>representation specialized in criminal law<\/strong>, we ensure that an <strong>accusation of extortion is carefully examined<\/strong> and the proceedings are conducted on a <strong>sustainable factual basis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eLegal support means clearly separating the actual events from interpretations and developing a robust defense strategy based on them.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-Erpressung uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/harlander-partner.eu\\\/en\\\/criminal-law\\\/extortion\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does extortion exist according to \\u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Extortion exists if someone forces an action, toleration, or omission through violence or dangerous threat and thereby causes asset damage. Decisive is that the victim themselves sets the asset-damaging behavior under the coercion. The perpetrator must also act intentionally and strive for unlawful enrichment. If the asset damage is missing, coercion is more likely to be considered.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between extortion and robbery?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In robbery, the perpetrator takes away a foreign movable object themselves or coerces it directly. In extortion, the perpetrator does not seize the object themselves, but forces the victim to a disposition of assets, such as payment or transfer. Practically, the core question is who effects the transfer of assets. Robbery is direct taking, extortion is indirect asset attack via the victim's behavior.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which threats are relevant for extortion?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Relevant is a dangerous threat, i.e. the prospect of a significant disadvantage that can trigger serious fear. The threat must be directed against a person and serve functionally to enforce or secure the asset-damaging behaviour. Pure social pressure or merely unpleasant demands are not sufficient. Whether a threat constitutes an offence always depends on the content, intensity and context.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Must the perpetrator receive the money himself for extortion to exist?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. It is sufficient that an asset loss occurs as a result of the enforced behaviour and that the perpetrator intends to unlawfully enrich himself or a third party. Even if the money flows to a third party or the advantage is structured differently, the offence may be fulfilled. The connection between coercion and asset damage is decisive. An actual permanent disposal of an item is not required.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is diversion possible in the case of extortion?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In principle, diversion is not automatically excluded, but in practice it is rarely considered in the case of extortion. A prerequisite is typically minor guilt, low intensity of the threat or violence and a manageable, preferably balanced damage. Planned action, repetition or a noticeable financial loss regularly speak against diversion. Whether diversion is realistic depends heavily on the specific circumstances and the evidence.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I, as an accused, do first in the event of an extortion accusation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Do not make any statement on the matter without inspecting the files and exercise your right to remain silent. Immediately secure all relevant documents and communication logs, as these are often crucial later. Avoid any contact with the opposing party, as any message can be used against you. Have it checked early on whether the prerequisites of violence or dangerous threats, causality and asset damage are actually provable. Early defence increases the chances of controlling the proceedings.    \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q1 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">When does extortion exist according to \u00a7 144 of the Criminal Code?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Extortion exists if someone forces an action, toleration, or omission through violence or dangerous threat and thereby causes asset damage. Decisive is that the victim themselves sets the asset-damaging behavior under the coercion. The perpetrator must also act intentionally and strive for unlawful enrichment. If the asset damage is missing, coercion is more likely to be considered.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q2 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What is the difference between extortion and robbery?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In robbery, the perpetrator takes away a foreign movable object themselves or coerces it directly. In extortion, the perpetrator does not seize the object themselves, but forces the victim to a disposition of assets, such as payment or transfer. Practically, the core question is who effects the transfer of assets. Robbery is direct taking, extortion is indirect asset attack via the victim&#8217;s behavior.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q3 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Which threats are relevant for extortion?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Relevant is a dangerous threat, i.e. the prospect of a significant disadvantage that can trigger serious fear. The threat must be directed against a person and serve functionally to enforce or secure the asset-damaging behaviour. Pure social pressure or merely unpleasant demands are not sufficient. Whether a threat constitutes an offence always depends on the content, intensity and context.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Must the perpetrator receive the money himself for extortion to exist?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>No. It is sufficient that an asset loss occurs as a result of the enforced behaviour and that the perpetrator intends to unlawfully enrich himself or a third party. Even if the money flows to a third party or the advantage is structured differently, the offence may be fulfilled. The connection between coercion and asset damage is decisive. An actual permanent disposal of an item is not required.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q5 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Is diversion possible in the case of extortion?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In principle, diversion is not automatically excluded, but in practice it is rarely considered in the case of extortion. A prerequisite is typically minor guilt, low intensity of the threat or violence and a manageable, preferably balanced damage. Planned action, repetition or a noticeable financial loss regularly speak against diversion. Whether diversion is realistic depends heavily on the specific circumstances and the evidence.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-Erpressung-Q7 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What should I, as an accused, do first in the event of an extortion accusation?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Do not make any statement on the matter without inspecting the files and exercise your right to remain silent. Immediately secure all relevant documents and communication logs, as these are often crucial later. Avoid any contact with the opposing party, as any message can be used against you. Have it checked early on whether the prerequisites of violence or dangerous threats, causality and asset damage are actually provable. Early defence increases the chances of controlling the proceedings.    <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Extortion According to \u00a7 144 StGB, extortion occurs when a person uses force or dangerous threats to coerce another person into an action, toleration, or omission that causes financial damage, &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":99728,"parent":40715,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-101600","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-law"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7144-Erpressung-120x120.webp",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Simon Prem","author_link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/author\/simon-prem\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Extortion According to \u00a7 144 StGB, extortion occurs when a person uses force or dangerous threats to coerce another person into an action, toleration, or omission that causes financial damage, ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101600","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101600"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101600\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99728"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=101600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=101600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}