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Blackmail (Extortion) Lawyers Queensland
What is blackmail in Queensland?
Under Queensland law, what most people commonly refer to as “blackmail” is legally known as extortion. It is an offence covered under s 415 of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld).
Put simply, blackmail or extortion involves threatening someone:
- To provide some kind of benefit (e.g. money or a favour), and
- With harm (physical, financial or otherwise).
What does the law say about blackmail/extortion?
Section 415 of the Criminal Code makes it an offence to threaten to harm someone, where you intend to obtain a benefit for yourself or another person.
The demand doesn’t need to be spoken or written. It can be implied through actions or behaviour.
The threat also doesn’t need to be violent. Threatening to expose personal information, damage someone’s reputation or harm someone’s business interests can also qualify as extortion.
What the prosecution needs to prove
If you’re charged with extortion, the prosecutor will need to prove to the court that:
- A demand was made
- The demand was accompanied by a threat, and
- There was intent to gain a benefit or cause harm.
What are the penalties for blackmail/extortion in Queensland?
In Queensland, extortion is a serious criminal offence.
The maximum penalty is 14 years’ imprisonment. However, the maximum penalty increases to life imprisonment if you:
- Use or threatens to use violence,
- Act with another person,
- Carry (or even pretend to carry) a weapon.
This reflects the potential for extortion to cause significant harm, even where no physical violence occurs.
Call us if you're facing a blackmail/extortion charge
At Osborne Butler Lawyers, we’re experienced in defending all types of blackmail/extortion charges across Queensland. We have offices in central locations in Cairns, Brisbane and Gold Coast Coast and attend court locations across QLD.
We understand how these cases are prosecuted and know how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors and build the best defence.
Use the form to ask us anything. We’ll respond in 24 hours.
What should you do if you're charged with blackmail or extortion?
You should get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible.
After all, while being charged with blackmail/extortion can be overwhelming, early legal intervention can make a major difference to the outcome.
If you’re facing charges, a criminal lawyer will:
- Review the strength of the evidence against you
- Advise you of your rights before police interviews
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or even for them to withdraw charges altogether
- Build a strong defence if the matter proceeds to court
What factors matter most in extortion cases in Queensland?
Extortion cases hinge often on the intention behind the alleged demand.
For instance, threatening to reveal damaging information unless someone pays you money is more likely to meet the legal threshold than, say, a heated personal argument where someone says something rash with no real intention to follow through.
These distinctions can be the difference between a conviction and a case being dismissed, which is why early advice matters.
A skilled lawyer may be able to argue that the behaviour didn’t amount to a legal threat, or that there was no intent to gain a benefit or cause harm.
When should you consult a lawyer in extortion cases?
You should speak to a criminal lawyer as soon as:
- Police contact you for a statement or interview
- You’re arrested or charged with extortion
- You’re served with a court attendance notice
- Someone accuses you of making threats or demands: especially in business, civil or family contexts.
Getting legal advice early helps you:
- Avoid self-incrimination
- Preserve your legal options
- Respond confidently to police and court processes.
Call us if you're facing a blackmail charge
At Osborne Butler Lawyers, we’re experienced in defending clients charged with blackmail and other serious offences.
We understand how these cases are prosecuted and – most importantly – how to challenge them.
We’ll help you understand your rights, assess your options, and fight for the best possible result.
Use the form below to ask us anything. We’ll respond in 24 hours.
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If you’ve been charged with blackmail or extortion, contact Osborne Butler Lawyers now for expert legal advice and strong defence representation.
Need a Criminal Defence Lawyer? Contact Osborne Butler
If you have a question or require legal advice or representation, please complete this form and we’ll respond within 24 hours. For urgent matters, please call us:
Cairns: 07 4041 3301
Brisbane: 07 3521 5588
Gold Coast: 07 5532 0066
