{"id":110376,"date":"2025-12-29T11:54:57","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T10:54:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/aggravated-extortion\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T12:08:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T11:08:29","slug":"aggravated-extortion","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/aggravated-extortion\/","title":{"rendered":"Aggravated extortion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Aggravated extortion<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-schwere-erpressung\" data-level=\"2\">Aggravated extortion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-objektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">objective elements of the offence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-qualifizierende-umstande\" data-level=\"2\">Qualifying circumstances<\/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-schwere-erpressung\">Aggravated extortion<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aggravated extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=145&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code<\/a> exists if extortion is committed under <strong>particularly serious circumstances<\/strong>. A prerequisite is that a person coerces another <strong>through violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> into an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong>, and in doing so <strong>acts intentionally<\/strong> to <strong>unlawfully enrich<\/strong> themselves or a third party. The perpetrator does not take the item themselves, but <strong>forces conduct that is detrimental to the victim&#8217;s assets<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The injustice of aggravated extortion lies in the fact that <strong>exceptionally drastic means of coercion<\/strong> are used, or the act achieves an <strong>increased intensity, duration, or dangerousness<\/strong>. This includes, in particular, threats of <strong>death<\/strong>, <strong>severe mutilation<\/strong>, <strong>kidnapping<\/strong>, <strong>arson<\/strong>, <strong>explosives<\/strong>, or the <strong>destruction of economic or social existence<\/strong>. Cases of <strong>commercial<\/strong>, <strong>ongoing<\/strong> extortion or those with <strong>extreme consequences<\/strong>, such as a suicide attempt, are treated equally.  <\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aggravated extortion is extortion with <strong>particularly severe means of coercion<\/strong>, <strong>prolonged coercion<\/strong>, or <strong>extreme consequences<\/strong>. It has a significantly increased penalty. <\/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\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-352x198.webp\" >\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp\" alt=\"Aggravated extortion under \u00a7 145 of the Austrian Criminal Code. Explanation of requirements, penalties, court jurisdiction, and defense.\" >\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 \u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code, it is not the tone of voice that matters, but the objective coercive effect of the threat and the resulting forced disposition of assets.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektiver-tatbestand\">objective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective element of the offense covers exclusively the <strong>externally perceptible events<\/strong>. The decisive factors are <strong>actions, means used, and consequences that have occurred<\/strong>. Internal processes such as motives or intent are disregarded.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong> requires that <strong>all the characteristics of simple extortion<\/strong> are initially met. The perpetrator acts on a person <strong>through violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> and coerces them into an <strong>action, toleration, or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong> to the victim or a third party. The perpetrator does <strong>not access an item themselves<\/strong>, but <strong>forces conduct that is detrimental to the victim&#8217;s assets<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The financial damage occurs <strong>because the victim gives in to the coercion<\/strong>. The crucial point is that the disadvantage is brought about <strong>indirectly through the victim&#8217;s behavior<\/strong> and that <strong>no appropriation by one&#8217;s own hand<\/strong> takes place. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Violence exists if <strong>physical coercion<\/strong> is exerted or directly aims to break the victim&#8217;s resistance. A dangerous threat exists if a <strong>significant disadvantage<\/strong> is held out, which is capable of arousing <strong>serious fear<\/strong>. The coercive effect must be <strong>functionally linked to the financial damage<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective element of the offense is fulfilled as soon as a <strong>financial loss<\/strong> occurs as a result of the forced behavior.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-qualifizierende-umstande\">Qualifying circumstances<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aggravated extortion<\/strong> only exists if <strong>at least one statutory element of qualification<\/strong> is <strong>additionally<\/strong> realized.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly the case with threats of <strong>death<\/strong>, <strong>significant mutilation or disfigurement<\/strong>, <strong>kidnapping<\/strong>, <strong>arson<\/strong>, <strong>endangerment by nuclear energy, radiation or explosives<\/strong> or with the <strong>destruction of economic existence or social standing<\/strong>. The <strong>extraordinary intensity of the coercive effect<\/strong> is decisive. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The act is also qualified if the perpetrator puts the victim <strong>in a agonizing state for a prolonged period of time<\/strong>, i.e. creates continued anxiety or psychological distress through <strong>continuous or repeated coercion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A qualification also exists in the case of <strong>commercial commission<\/strong>, in the case of <strong>prolonged continuation against the same person<\/strong> or if the act <strong>causally causes<\/strong> a <strong>suicide or attempted suicide<\/strong> of the coerced person or a person affected by the threat.<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subject of the crime can be <strong>any person who is criminally responsible<\/strong>. No special personal characteristics are required. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatobjekt\">Object of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The object of the offense is the <strong>assets of the coerced person or a third party<\/strong>, which are damaged by the <strong>forced behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tathandlung\">Act: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The act consists of a person being forced <strong>by violence or by particularly serious dangerous threats<\/strong> into an <strong>action, toleration or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, the coercion must <strong>additionally take particularly serious forms<\/strong>, such as threats of <strong>death<\/strong>, <strong>severe mutilation<\/strong>, <strong>kidnapping<\/strong>, <strong>arson<\/strong>, the <strong>destruction of economic existence<\/strong>, through <strong>prolonged agonizing coercion<\/strong>, through <strong>commercial practices<\/strong> or through <strong>continued extortion against the same person<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taterfolg\">Result of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The success of the crime lies in the <strong>occurrence of financial damage<\/strong>, which is <strong>directly attributable to the victim&#8217;s forced behavior<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kausalitat\">Causality:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The financial damage must be a <strong>consequence of the violence or threat<\/strong>. Without the <strong>coercive effect<\/strong>, the victim would <strong>not have engaged<\/strong> in the asset-damaging behavior. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektive-zurechnung\">Objective Attribution: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The success is objectively attributable if <strong>exactly that risk is realized<\/strong> that the law wants to prevent, namely that <strong>assets are damaged by particularly intensive violence or serious threat via the behavior of the victim<\/strong>.<\/p>\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\">\u201eObjectively, it only counts whether violence or dangerous threats have induced the victim to engage in concrete, asset-damaging behavior and whether the qualifying circumstance actually exists.\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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The element of <strong>aggravated extortion under \u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code<\/strong> exists if extortion is committed <strong>under particularly serious circumstances<\/strong>. Here, too, the victim is coerced <strong>by violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> into <strong>asset-damaging behavior<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A characteristic is that the injustice <strong>goes beyond simple extortion<\/strong>, because <strong>particularly severe means of coercion<\/strong>, a <strong>prolonged agonizing coercive situation<\/strong> or other <strong>qualifying circumstances<\/strong> are added. The decisive factor remains that <strong>the victim acts themselves<\/strong> because they give in to the qualified coercion. <\/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 to act, tolerate or omit something by violence or dangerous threats <strong>without any financial damage occurring<\/strong>. In both simple and aggravated extortion, <strong>financial damage is a mandatory part of the offense<\/strong>. If this asset component is missing, extortion is ruled out. The <strong>qualifications of aggravated extortion<\/strong> always require that there is initially an <strong>extortion that meets the elements of the offense<\/strong>.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00a7 142 StGB \u2013 Robbery:<\/strong> <strong>Robbery<\/strong> is characterized by the fact that the perpetrator <strong>takes or extorts a movable object belonging to someone else<\/strong>, using violence against a person or by threatening with imminent danger to life or limb. In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, this <strong>immediate act of taking<\/strong> is missing. The perpetrator causes the financial disadvantage <strong>indirectly via the behavior of the victim<\/strong>, who acts under particularly severe coercion. The decisive factor here, too, remains <strong>who causes the transfer of assets<\/strong>: In the case of robbery, the perpetrator themselves, in the case of aggravated extortion, the victim under qualified coercion.   <\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genuine concurrence exists if <strong>further independent offenses<\/strong> are added to the aggravated extortion, such as <strong>bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, property damage or dangerous threats<\/strong>, which are <strong>not already included in the qualified offense<\/strong>. In these cases, the offenses <strong>remain side by side<\/strong>, as <strong>different legal interests<\/strong> are affected. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unechte-konkurrenz\">Spurious Concurrence:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A non-genuine concurrence exists if another element of the offense <strong>completely covers the entire injustice of the aggravated extortion<\/strong>. In such constellations, the aggravated extortion <strong>takes a back seat as a subsidiary element of the offense<\/strong>, for example if the coercion and damage to property are completely absorbed into a <strong>more specific offense<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatmehrheit\">Multiple Offenses: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiple offenses exist if several <strong>acts of aggravated extortion<\/strong> are committed independently, for example in the case of <strong>clearly separated coercive situations<\/strong> or <strong>independent damages to property<\/strong>. Each act forms its <strong>own criminal law unit<\/strong>, provided that there is no natural unity of action. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fortgesetzte-handlung\">Continued Action: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A uniform act can be assumed if several <strong>qualified acts of coercion and damage to property<\/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 qualified coercion<\/strong> takes place 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\">\u201eThe distinction is simple: In the case of robbery, the perpetrator takes the item themselves; in the case of aggravated extortion, the victim acts because they give in to the qualified coercion.\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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must prove that the accused has committed <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>. The starting point is proof of <strong>extortion<\/strong>, i.e. that the accused has acted on a person <strong>through violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> and thereby induced them to take an <strong>action, toleration or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>financial damage<\/strong>.<br\/>In addition, it must be proven that <strong>at least one qualifying circumstance<\/strong> of aggravated extortion exists. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 <strong>damage to property was precisely the result of the coercion<\/strong>,<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and additionally at least <strong>one qualification characteristic of aggravated extortion<\/strong> is realized, in particular<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a <strong>threat of death<\/strong>, with <strong>significant mutilation<\/strong> or a <strong>striking disfigurement<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>threat of kidnapping, arson<\/strong> or with <strong>endangerment by nuclear energy, ionizing radiation or explosives<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>threat of destruction of economic existence or social standing<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>prolonged placement<\/strong> of the coerced person or another person concerned <strong>in an agonizing state<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>commercial commission<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>prolonged continuation of the act against the same person<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or that the act resulted in a <strong>suicide or attempted suicide<\/strong> of the coerced person or another person concerned <strong>as a consequence<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must also explain whether <strong>use of force, content of the threat, damage to property and qualification<\/strong> are objectively ascertainable, for example through<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>as well as <strong>indications of the intensity, duration, repetition or commercial nature<\/strong> of the act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>witness statements<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>communication records<\/strong> such as messages or emails,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>video recordings<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>medical findings<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>payment flows, contracts or transfers<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>as well as <strong>indications of the intensity, duration, repetition or commercial nature<\/strong> of the act.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gericht\">Court: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court examines all evidence <strong>in the overall context<\/strong>. It assesses whether, according to objective standards, there is <strong>coercion by violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> that has <strong>causally led to damage to property<\/strong>.<br\/>In addition, it must be examined whether the alleged <strong>qualification of aggravated extortion<\/strong> actually exists and can be <strong>established beyond doubt<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In doing so, the court takes into account in particular<\/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><strong>witness statements<\/strong> on the course of the act and the participation of the accused,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>communication content, proof of payment<\/strong> 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 coercion-induced behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the content of the threat corresponds to the <strong>qualified forms of threat<\/strong> of aggravated extortion,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>prolonged agonizing state<\/strong> is comprehensibly documented,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether <strong>commercial practices or continuation<\/strong> of the act exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and whether a <strong>suicide or attempted suicide<\/strong> is <strong>causally attributable as a consequence of the act<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court clearly distinguishes between <strong>mere pressure situations without coercive quality<\/strong>, <strong>purely verbal conflicts<\/strong>, <strong>socially customary influences<\/strong>, as well as cases in which extortion exists, but the <strong>qualification of aggravated extortion cannot be proven<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigte-person\">Accused Person: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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>whether a <strong>qualification characteristic of aggravated extortion<\/strong> is actually fulfilled,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>prolonged placement in an agonizing state<\/strong> exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether <strong>commercial practices or continuation<\/strong> is demonstrable,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether a <strong>suicide or attempted suicide<\/strong> is plausibly and causally attributable to the act,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>as well as in the case of <strong>contradictions or gaps<\/strong> in the accusation or in the case of <strong>alternative sequences of events<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She can also explain that actions were <strong>misunderstood, situation-related or without coercive character<\/strong> or that, although extortion is alleged, the <strong>requirements of aggravated extortion<\/strong> are not met.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-typische-bewertung\">Typical Assessment<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the following evidence is particularly important in the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Witness statements<\/strong> on the coercive situation, the intensity of the threat and the duration of the event,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Messages, emails or other communication records<\/strong> on the content of the threat and the repetition,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment receipts, transfers, or asset shifts<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Video recordings or other objective documentation<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical findings<\/strong> on injuries or psychological stress,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time sequences<\/strong> that prove the connection between coercion, damage to property and qualification,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indications of the commercial nature or continuation of the act<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Documents on an alleged suicide or attempted suicide<\/strong> and its connection with the act.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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\">\u201eWithout reliable evidence on the content of the threat, seriousness, causality and qualification, the accusation of aggravated extortion often does not hold up.\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 of death:<\/strong> The perpetrator demands payment of a considerable sum of money from a person and expressly threatens death if payment is not made. Out of serious fear for his own life, the victim transfers the required amount himself. The perpetrator does not take the item directly, but forces conduct that is detrimental to assets. The damage to property occurs precisely as a result of the qualified threat. Due to the threat of death, there is aggravated extortion.    <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prolonged agonizing state due to continuous threats:<\/strong> The perpetrator repeatedly puts a person under pressure over a longer period of time by means of dangerous threats in order to extort ongoing payments of money. The victim lives permanently in fear and a state of psychological emergency and complies with the demands in order to avoid further escalation. The crucial factor is that the means used put the victim in an agonizing state for a prolonged period of time. In this case, too, the offense of aggravated extortion is fulfilled.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These examples illustrate the typical manifestations of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>. A characteristic feature is that the perpetrator does <strong>not carry out any direct removal<\/strong>, but the <strong>injustice is significantly increased<\/strong> because either <strong>particularly serious disadvantages<\/strong> are threatened or the victim is exposed to <strong>an intensive coercive situation for a prolonged period of time<\/strong>. The focus of the injustice therefore lies in the <strong>extraordinary intensity of the coercion<\/strong> and not merely in the <strong>damage to property itself<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-subjektiver-tatbestand\">subjective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subjective element of <strong>aggravated extortion pursuant to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=145&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code<\/a><\/strong> requires intent with regard to <strong>all characteristics of the extortion<\/strong>. The perpetrator must know that he is influencing a person <strong>by means of violence or dangerous threats<\/strong> and thereby inducing them to perform an <strong>action, toleration or omission<\/strong> that causes <strong>damage to property<\/strong>. He must recognize that the victim&#8217;s behavior is <strong>not voluntary<\/strong>, but <strong>coerced<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For intent, it is sufficient that the perpetrator seriously considers the <strong>coercion and damage to property<\/strong> to be possible and accepts this. <strong>Conditional intent is sufficient.<\/strong> Intentional intent is not required.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, the intent must also relate to the <strong>qualifying circumstance<\/strong>. The perpetrator must at least tacitly accept that he is <strong>threatening particularly serious disadvantages<\/strong>, placing the victim <strong>in an agonizing state for a prolonged period of time<\/strong>, acting <strong>commercially<\/strong>, committing the act <strong>repeatedly<\/strong>, or that <strong>serious consequences<\/strong> such as suicide or attempted suicide may result from the coercive situation. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=145&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code<\/a>, an <strong>intent to enrich oneself<\/strong> is also required. The perpetrator must at least tacitly accept to obtain <strong>an unlawful financial advantage<\/strong> for himself or a third party. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no subjective element if the perpetrator <strong>seriously assumes an entitlement<\/strong>, the victim <strong>acts voluntarily<\/strong> or the perpetrator has <strong>no intent with regard to the qualifying circumstances<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principle of culpability:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incapacity to be held accountable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/exculpatory-necessity\/\">Excusable state of necessity<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/erroneous-assumption-of-justifying-circumstances\/\">Putative self-defense<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>diversion is generally excluded in the case of aggravated extortion<\/strong>. The offense requires not only coercion by violence or dangerous threats, but also additional <strong>qualifying circumstances<\/strong>, such as particularly serious threats, a prolonged agonizing coercive situation, commercial or repeated actions, or particularly serious consequences of the crime. As a result, aggravated extortion regularly exhibits an <strong>exceptionally high degree of coercion and property injustice<\/strong>. This increased injustice of the act generally precludes a diversionary settlement.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In cases in which, despite the existence of aggravated extortion, the <strong>guilt appears to be quite exceptionally minor<\/strong> and the qualifying circumstances are <strong>only marginally realized<\/strong>, a diversion can <strong>theoretically<\/strong> be examined. However, with increasing intensity of the threat, longer-lasting coercion, commercial or repeated action, this possibility practically drops to zero. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diversion may be considered if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the guilt is altogether exceptionally minor,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no significant violence was used,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the qualifying threat is only of very minor intensity,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage to property is minor and fully compensated,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there is no systematic or repeated action,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the facts of the case are clear and manageable,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and the perpetrator is remorseful, cooperative, and willing to make amends.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If, in exceptional cases, a diversion is considered, the court may order payments of money, community service, supervision orders or victim-offender mediation. A diversion does not lead to a conviction or a criminal record entry. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ausschluss-der-diversion\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diversion is excluded if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>there is a significant use of violence or a particularly intensive dangerous threat,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the accusation involves an exceptionally high potential for coercion or endangerment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the act was committed deliberately, purposefully, systematically or repeatedly,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>several independent acts of extortion exist,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there is commercial or systematic behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>particular aggravating circumstances are added,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or the overall behavior constitutes a serious and sustained impairment of the victim&#8217;s freedom of choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only in the case of <strong>clearly the slightest guilt<\/strong>, <strong>minimal coercion<\/strong> and <strong>immediate remorse<\/strong> can it be examined whether there is an <strong>absolute exceptional case<\/strong> of a diversionary settlement. In practice, diversion in the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong> is almost excluded and only conceivable in extreme exceptional cases. <\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court assesses the penalty according to the <strong>extent of the damage to property<\/strong>, according to the <strong>nature, duration and intensity of the violence or particularly serious dangerous threat<\/strong> and according to <strong>how severely the victim&#8217;s freedom of choice and economic position were impaired<\/strong>. Of particular importance is <strong>which qualifying circumstance<\/strong> justifies the aggravated extortion, such as particularly serious threats, a prolonged agonizing coercive situation, repeated or commercial action, or particularly serious consequences of the crime. It must be taken into account whether the perpetrator acted in a <strong>targeted, planned or repeated<\/strong> manner and whether the behavior caused an <strong>exceptionally intensive coercive effect<\/strong> and a <strong>significant impairment of property<\/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 act was committed under <strong>particularly intensive use of violence or an exceptionally serious dangerous threat<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there was a <strong>systematic, repeated or commercial approach<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>significant or existential damage to property<\/strong> has occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>several assets or <strong>economically central 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>early termination<\/strong> of the criminal behavior,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>active and complete efforts at reparation<\/strong>,<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>conditional remission of the prison sentence<\/strong> is only possible if the imposed sentence <strong>does not exceed two years<\/strong> and there is a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong>. In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, however, this possibility is handled <strong>much more restrictively<\/strong> and is regularly only realistic in the case of an offense at the <strong>lower end of the sentencing range<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafrahmen\">Penalty Range<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, a <strong>prison sentence of one to ten years<\/strong> is provided for. The increased penalty range applies to cases in which <strong>particularly serious means of threat<\/strong> are used for extortion, the victim is exposed to <strong>an agonizing coercive situation for a prolonged period of time<\/strong>, action is taken <strong>commercially or repeatedly<\/strong>, or the act has <strong>exceptionally serious consequences<\/strong>, such as suicide or attempted suicide. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>less serious case<\/strong> is <strong>not provided for<\/strong> in the case of aggravated extortion. If one of the qualifying circumstances exists, the penalty range of <strong>one to ten years&#8217; imprisonment<\/strong> must be applied. Mitigating circumstances can only have an effect <strong>within this penalty range<\/strong>, for example in the event of a lower intensity of the qualification, a limited duration of the act, a lower amount of damage or a personal burden on the perpetrator.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should also be noted that, even in the case of aggravated extortion, <strong>not every threat is automatically punishable<\/strong>. Criminal liability is already excluded if the violence or threat used is <strong>not immoral<\/strong>, i.e. does <strong>not appear unfair, inappropriate or socially unacceptable<\/strong>. Anyone who pursues a <strong>legitimate concern<\/strong> and does <strong>not exert any inadmissible or excessive pressure<\/strong> is <strong>not acting unlawfully<\/strong>. If such a <strong>non-immoral constellation<\/strong> exists, criminal liability is completely excluded, so that <strong>there is no punishment<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, <strong>imprisonment is regularly the priority<\/strong> due to the <strong>high penalty range<\/strong>. An <strong>exclusive fine<\/strong> is <strong>generally not considered here<\/strong>. The day-fine system is therefore only of <strong>subordinate<\/strong> importance, for example in connection with the <strong>conversion of short prison sentences<\/strong>, in the case of <strong>partially conditional remission<\/strong> or within the framework of <strong>sentencing<\/strong>, but not as an independent main penalty.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 37 of the Criminal Code: If the statutory penalty is <strong>up to five years<\/strong>, the court may, under the statutory conditions, impose a <strong>fine<\/strong> instead of a <strong>short prison sentence of no more than one year<\/strong>. This provision is <strong>not applicable<\/strong> to <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>. Since the penalty is <strong>up to ten years&#8217; imprisonment<\/strong>, the replacement of a prison sentence with a fine is excluded from the outset. A fine can therefore <strong>not be imposed instead<\/strong> of a prison sentence.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 43 of the Criminal Code: A <strong>conditional remission<\/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>. In the case of aggravated extortion, this is <strong>only exceptionally<\/strong> considered. In view of the qualifying circumstances, a conditional remission is realistically only possible if the offense is at the <strong>absolute lower end<\/strong> of the penalty range and there are no pronounced aggravating factors.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 43a of the Criminal Code: The <strong>partially conditional remission<\/strong> allows a combination of unconditional and conditionally remitted parts of the penalty for prison sentences <strong>over six months and up to two years<\/strong>. In the case of aggravated extortion, this form can theoretically be applied, but in practice only in <strong>narrow exceptional cases<\/strong>, as the act regularly has a <strong>high degree of coercion and injustice<\/strong>. In the case of serious threats or sustained coercion, it is regularly excluded.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><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 may issue <strong>instructions<\/strong> and order <strong>probation assistance<\/strong>. In the case of aggravated extortion, these often concern <strong>intensive behavior-modifying measures<\/strong>, such as therapeutic requirements, structuring control measures or obligations to <strong>remedy the damage<\/strong>. The aim is to prevent further serious offenses and to enable controlled social reintegration. <\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, the statutory penalty range is <strong>from one to ten years&#8217; imprisonment<\/strong>. This excludes the jurisdiction of the district court, as it is only responsible for offenses with a penalty of up to one year&#8217;s imprisonment. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>regional court<\/strong> is therefore responsible in any case.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due to the penalty of <strong>more than five years<\/strong>, aggravated extortion <strong>no longer falls within the jurisdiction of the individual judge<\/strong>. The main proceedings must therefore be conducted <strong>before the regional court as a court of lay assessors<\/strong>. This composition takes into account the significantly increased injustice and the considerable penalty.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, a <strong>jury court<\/strong> is <strong>not competent<\/strong>, as aggravated extortion is neither threatened with life imprisonment nor provides for a lower limit of more than five years and is also not one of the offenses expressly assigned to the jury court.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\">Local Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a judgment is issued by the <strong>regional court as a court of lay assessors<\/strong>, the parties have the <strong>right of appeal to the higher courts<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>appeal<\/strong> can be lodged against the judgment. In addition, a <strong>plea of nullity<\/strong> is also regularly considered. The review is carried out by the <strong>higher regional court<\/strong> or, in the case of questions of nullity, by the <strong>Supreme Court<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In doing so, it is checked whether the proceedings were conducted properly and whether the legal assessment of the aggravated extortion is correct.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, the injured party can assert their <strong>civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings<\/strong> as a <strong>private party<\/strong>. Since aggravated extortion is also aimed at <strong>property-damaging behavior forced by violence or dangerous threats<\/strong>, the claims include in particular <strong>payments of money<\/strong>, <strong>transferred amounts<\/strong>, <strong>surrendered assets<\/strong>, <strong>waivers of claims<\/strong> and <strong>other financial disadvantages<\/strong> that have arisen as a result of the forced behavior. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the facts, <strong>consequential damages<\/strong> can also be claimed, for example if the forced payment or action has resulted in <strong>economic disadvantages<\/strong>, <strong>liquidity problems<\/strong> or <strong>operational damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>private party joinder<\/strong> inhibits the <strong>statute of limitations<\/strong> of all asserted claims 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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>voluntary reparation<\/strong>, such as the <strong>repayment of amounts obtained<\/strong>, a <strong>compensation for the damage caused<\/strong> or a <strong>serious effort to provide compensation<\/strong>, can have a <strong>mitigating effect<\/strong>, provided that it is carried out <strong>in a timely and complete manner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, if the perpetrator acted under <strong>particularly intensive violence or a serious dangerous threat<\/strong>, in a <strong>planned or repeated<\/strong> manner, or if the act was associated with an <strong>exceptionally massive coercive situation<\/strong>, a subsequent remedy of the damage regularly loses a large part of its <strong>mitigating effect<\/strong>. In such constellations, a subsequent compensation can only partially compensate for the <strong>increased injustice of the aggravated extortion<\/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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\"><strong>Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aggravated extortion<\/strong> combines <strong>coercion by particularly intensive violence or a serious dangerous threat<\/strong> with <strong>damage to property<\/strong>. The legal assessment depends largely on the <strong>specific course of events<\/strong>, on the <strong>nature and intensity of the coercion<\/strong>, on the <strong>qualifying circumstances<\/strong> and on the <strong>evidence<\/strong>. Even minor deviations in the facts can determine whether there is actually <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong>, only <strong>simple extortion<\/strong>, mere <strong>coercion<\/strong> or, in the absence of <strong>immorality<\/strong>, <strong>no criminal liability<\/strong> at all.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our law firm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>examines<\/strong> whether the requirements for aggravated extortion are actually met or whether a different legal assessment is required,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>analyzes<\/strong> the evidence, in particular with regard to <strong>violence<\/strong>, <strong>qualified threat<\/strong>, <strong>duration of the coercive situation<\/strong>, <strong>causality<\/strong> and <strong>damage to property<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>clarifies<\/strong> whether the means used were <strong>immoral<\/strong> or whether an <strong>exception to criminal liability<\/strong> can be considered,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>develops<\/strong> a clear defense strategy that classifies the course of events <strong>completely and legally precisely<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a <strong>criminal law firm<\/strong>, we ensure that any accusation of <strong>aggravated extortion<\/strong> is carefully examined and that the proceedings are conducted on a <strong>sustainable factual and legal 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-schwere-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\\\/aggravated-extortion\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB) occur?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Aggravated extortion occurs when all the requirements for extortion under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB) are met and a statutory qualification ground is added. Typical are particularly serious threats such as death threats or threats of arson. A prolonged agonizing duress or a continued course of action can also qualify the act. The crucial point is that the victim is forced into asset-damaging behavior through violence or dangerous threats.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between extortion under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB) and aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For extortion under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB), violence or dangerous threats are sufficient if they force asset-damaging behavior. Aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB) additionally requires a qualification ground that significantly increases the injustice. This can be a particularly serious threat or a longer agonizing state, because the victim is under massive pressure over time. This significantly increases the penalty, although the basic mechanism remains the same.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which threats are considered particularly serious under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Particularly serious are threats that go far beyond ordinary pressure and have an extreme coercive effect. These include, in particular, threats of death, severe mutilation or kidnapping, and also threats of arson or explosives. Likewise, the threat to destroy economic existence or social standing can constitute a qualification. The decisive factor is whether the threat is objectively capable of causing serious fear and thereby inducing the victim to suffer a financial disadvantage.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is psychological pressure sufficient for aggravated extortion?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Purely psychological pressure is not sufficient if it does not reach the quality of a dangerous threat or violence. It requires a coercive effect that seriously holds out the prospect of a sensitive evil and thereby noticeably breaks the freedom of decision. If the threat is only vague, socially common or not meant seriously, the intensity required by the offense is missing. The decisive factor is therefore the specific content, the seriousness and the context of the threat.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How is the financial damage assessed in the case of aggravated extortion?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The financial damage arises because the victim gives in to the coercion and takes an action himself, tolerates something or accepts an omission. Typical are transfers, surrender of assets or forced waivers of claims. The decisive factor is the objective balance sheet, i.e. whether the economic situation of the victim or a third party has deteriorated. Because the damage is mediated through the behavior of the victim, the distinction from robbery is particularly important.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the penalty for aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Aggravated extortion is punishable by imprisonment for one to ten years. This means that a mere fine as the main penalty is practically out of the question. Whether a conditional or partially conditional remission is possible depends heavily on the individual case and is rare in the case of serious offenses. In practice, the intensity of the crime, the qualification ground, the amount of damage and the previous life determine the specific sentence.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I do if I am being investigated for aggravated extortion?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You should not make any statements about the matter from the beginning and consistently exercise your right to remain silent, because ill-considered statements can hardly be corrected later. Secure all relevant messages, call lists, payment receipts and other documents, because the context of threats is crucial. Do not contact the other party so that no new accusations or misunderstandings arise. Have the facts of the case examined by a lawyer at an early stage so that motions for evidence, inspection of files and a clear defense strategy can be prepared in good time.   \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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 aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB) occur?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Aggravated extortion occurs when all the requirements for extortion under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB) are met and a statutory qualification ground is added. Typical are particularly serious threats such as death threats or threats of arson. A prolonged agonizing duress or a continued course of action can also qualify the act. The crucial point is that the victim is forced into asset-damaging behavior through violence or dangerous threats.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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 under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB) and aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>For extortion under Section 144 of the Criminal Code (StGB), violence or dangerous threats are sufficient if they force asset-damaging behavior. Aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB) additionally requires a qualification ground that significantly increases the injustice. This can be a particularly serious threat or a longer agonizing state, because the victim is under massive pressure over time. This significantly increases the penalty, although the basic mechanism remains the same.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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 considered particularly serious under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Particularly serious are threats that go far beyond ordinary pressure and have an extreme coercive effect. These include, in particular, threats of death, severe mutilation or kidnapping, and also threats of arson or explosives. Likewise, the threat to destroy economic existence or social standing can constitute a qualification. The decisive factor is whether the threat is objectively capable of causing serious fear and thereby inducing the victim to suffer a financial disadvantage.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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\">Is psychological pressure sufficient for aggravated extortion?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Purely psychological pressure is not sufficient if it does not reach the quality of a dangerous threat or violence. It requires a coercive effect that seriously holds out the prospect of a sensitive evil and thereby noticeably breaks the freedom of decision. If the threat is only vague, socially common or not meant seriously, the intensity required by the offense is missing. The decisive factor is therefore the specific content, the seriousness and the context of the threat.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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\">How is the financial damage assessed in the case of aggravated extortion?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The financial damage arises because the victim gives in to the coercion and takes an action himself, tolerates something or accepts an omission. Typical are transfers, surrender of assets or forced waivers of claims. The decisive factor is the objective balance sheet, i.e. whether the economic situation of the victim or a third party has deteriorated. Because the damage is mediated through the behavior of the victim, the distinction from robbery is particularly important.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-erpressung-q6 \" 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 penalty for aggravated extortion under Section 145 of the Criminal Code (StGB)?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Aggravated extortion is punishable by imprisonment for one to ten years. This means that a mere fine as the main penalty is practically out of the question. Whether a conditional or partially conditional remission is possible depends heavily on the individual case and is rare in the case of serious offenses. In practice, the intensity of the crime, the qualification ground, the amount of damage and the previous life determine the specific sentence.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-schwere-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 do if I am being investigated for aggravated extortion?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>You should not make any statements about the matter from the beginning and consistently exercise your right to remain silent, because ill-considered statements can hardly be corrected later. Secure all relevant messages, call lists, payment receipts and other documents, because the context of threats is crucial. Do not contact the other party so that no new accusations or misunderstandings arise. Have the facts of the case examined by a lawyer at an early stage so that motions for evidence, inspection of files and a clear defense strategy can be prepared in good time.   <\/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":"Aggravated extortion Aggravated extortion pursuant to \u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code exists if extortion is committed under particularly serious circumstances. A prerequisite is that a person coerces another through &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":100064,"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-110376","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\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-Erpressung-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7145-Schwere-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":"Aggravated extortion Aggravated extortion pursuant to \u00a7 145 of the Criminal Code exists if extortion is committed under particularly serious circumstances. A prerequisite is that a person coerces another through ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110376","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=110376"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110376\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=110376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=110376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}