Hobbs Act

Last Updated on: 29th March 2025, 02:25 am

HOBBS ACT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

AS SEEN ON. EXPERIENCED. TOP RATED. DEDICATED. These are just a few ways people describe our Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm that was created by Todd Spodek. We have offices throughout the USA, and we have over 50 years of combined experience handling tough cases. We are available 24/7, to provide a risk free consultation. If you’re here, you might be worried about Hobbs Act charges. If you’re facing this situation, you need serious legal help. We won’t sugarcoat it. This is a terrifying place to be. But guess what? If you read carefully and avoid making excuses, you can help yourself immensely.

In this article, our goal is to explain what the Hobbs Act is, what criminal penalties you might face, and how our NYC Criminal Lawyers can defend you. We know you have questions. That’s good. Having questions means you’re ready to learn, and it means you’re willing to take the next steps to protect yourself. We understand how anxious you might feel right now. That’s exactly why we can help you.

WHO WE ARE: A NATIONWIDE FEDERAL DEFENSE LAW FIRM

Spodek Law Group, which was founded by Todd Spodek, has decades of legal experience. Our team has handled a wide range of federal and state cases. Our attorneys who were recognized by top legal publications have taken on cases that other attorneys said were unwinnable. We are unafraid of a battle. That means we examine every detail of your situation to craft a strategic defense.

If you feel stuck, or if you’re panicking about an FBI visit, you should call us immediately. This is not a time to sit back and hope for the best. If you ignore the legal problem, you risk massive fines, a criminal record, and possibly time in federal prison. You do not want that outcome. We are here, and we have experience. Let’s talk about the Hobbs Act now, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

WHAT IS THE HOBBS ACT?

The Hobbs Act that was established under Title 18 U.S.C. § 1951 is a federal law that was designed to target robbery and extortion that affects interstate commerce. According to the Department of Justice website, the Hobbs Act prohibits taking someone’s property through actual or threatened force, violence, or fear. It can also criminalize attempts to do so.

In simple terms, the Hobbs Act is a federal statute that was enacted to stop people who threaten or harm someone else for economic gain in a way that affects the flow of interstate commerce. This means that if you commit robbery or extortion that crosses state lines, or if you interfere with any business transaction that relies on trade between states, you might be facing Hobbs Act charges. That is a very serious situation. If you are convicted, you face long prison sentences, major fines, and a lifetime of consequences. It’s no joke. Think about how losing your freedom would affect your life. That is the terrifying reality you need to avoid.

We know you don’t want to hear sugarcoated nonsense, so here’s the bottom line: a Hobbs Act conviction is devastating. It means a felony on your record, which could destroy your chances at stable employment, housing, and financial security. You must handle this immediately if you want to protect yourself. Spodek Law Group is here to help you understand how to do that.

COMMON EXAMPLES OF HOBBS ACT VIOLATIONS

How do people violate the Hobbs Act in the real world? Here are some examples:

• Robbery that was carried out in connection with a business: This is when someone steals property or money from a store, restaurant, or another commercial place in a way that affects interstate commerce.
• Extortion that was committed by threatening violence: This is when a person demands payments in exchange for “protection,” claiming they will harm the victim or the victim’s business if the victim refuses to pay.
• Extortion that was done by public officials: In some cases, a public official might misuse their position to demand or receive bribes, leading to Hobbs Act charges if interstate commerce is affected.

When the government suspects that you violated the Hobbs Act, it will investigate aggressively. If they find enough evidence, you might face charges. Evidence that was collected illegally might be suppressed, which means it could be thrown out of court. When that happens, the prosecution can lose a chunk of their case. If certain pieces of evidence are invalidated, the government might have fewer facts to prove guilt. That result might lead to a better plea deal or even a full dismissal. This is exactly why you need lawyers who understand how to attack the government’s evidence.

PENALTIES YOU FACE UNDER THE HOBBS ACT

The penalties for a Hobbs Act conviction can be life-altering. According to federal guidelines, a violation that was proven in court can carry up to 20 years in prison. You might also pay major fines that can climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re wondering, “How can I deal with that?”, the short answer is, you can’t—at least not on your own.

Consider the consequences of a lengthy prison sentence. You lose your job, your community ties weaken, and you carry a permanent criminal record. The stigma that follows you makes it nearly impossible to rebuild your life. These outcomes are catastrophic. Sometimes, if violence or a weapon is involved, you can face additional charges that boost your sentence even more. This is the kind of avalanche that can ruin your future. We get it. That’s why we are direct with you. You do not have time to waste.

HOW WE STRATEGICALLY DEFEND HOBBS ACT CASES

We are Spodek Law Group, and we have handled many cases involving federal crimes. If you hire our team, we will push you beyond your comfort zone to ensure you do everything possible to fight these charges. When you retain us, we look at every piece of evidence, every witness who was involved, and every angle the government wants to use.

Here are some key strategies:

• Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures: If law enforcement violated your rights, we will file a motion to suppress that evidence. Evidence that was obtained improperly might be off-limits at trial, which can cripple the prosecution’s case. Getting evidence tossed out often forces the government to negotiate a better plea offer.
• Proving Lack of Intent: Hobbs Act cases often revolve around whether you intended to commit extortion or robbery. If there was no criminal intent, then a core part of the prosecution’s argument might fail. Our attorneys who have decades of experience can build a compelling argument that demonstrates you lacked the required intent.
• Questioning Witness Credibility: Witnesses who were pressured by law enforcement, or who have their own hidden motives, can cause serious damage to your defense if they go unchallenged. We look for contradictions in their stories. We probe why they might be lying, and we expose any holes in their testimony.
• Demonstrating Mistaken Identity: If the alleged robbery or extortion was carried out by someone else, we look for alibis, video footage, or cell phone data that proves you were not present. Sometimes, a shaky eyewitness can be the sole basis for a case. If that person made a mistake, we will spotlight that error.

We don’t tolerate half-hearted excuses. Our job is to find these openings and exploit them. But, you must be honest with us, or else we can’t do the best possible job defending you. At the end of the day, the best defense is the one built on facts, not wishful thinking. This is your life; if you want to protect it, you have to commit to the process.

KEY GOVERNMENT WEBSITES FOR REFERENCE

If you want to learn more about the Hobbs Act and related crimes, here are some official resources:

• United States Attorney’s Office: Contains information about federal prosecutions, including extortion and robbery.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: Provides summaries and news about federal crimes that it investigates.
• Department of Justice – Criminal Division: Offers a deeper look at how the government handles criminal cases.

These websites that were developed by the federal government can give you insight into how seriously the authorities treat Hobbs Act violations. But reading government pages does not protect you from an arrest or indictment. You need a strong defense strategy if you want to reduce or dismiss the charges.

HOW WE CREATE LEVERAGE FOR A STRONG DEFENSE

If you’ve been charged, or you suspect you’re under investigation for a Hobbs Act violation, you have to move fast. Prosecutors do not wait. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and look for ways to make their case bulletproof. Your best move is to work with a defense team that was dedicated to tearing down the government’s arguments. We focus on:

• Early Intervention: We like to start building a defense before charges are formally filed, if possible. If the case is still in the investigative phase, it might be possible to undermine it and convince prosecutors not to move forward.
• Strong Negotiations: Sometimes, the best approach is to negotiate a favorable plea. This can reduce charges or penalties. Our attorneys who know how to handle federal prosecutors can push for deals that spare you from the harshest punishments.
• Going to Trial if Needed: We are unafraid to go to trial if the government refuses to be reasonable. We prepare every case as though it will end up in front of a judge and jury. This approach signals to prosecutors that we aren’t pushovers, which can drive them to offer better plea agreements.

If you want any shot at a lighter outcome, you need to shift your mindset and recognize that your future is on the line. We will call out any nonsense if it wastes time or if it damages your credibility. You need to be prepared for a serious fight, because that’s what these charges entail. Look at your life and decide if it’s worth saving. We expect that it is. That means being proactive and relentless about your defense.

FAQ QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE

These quick answers aren’t a substitute for an in-depth discussion, but they help you see how serious the situation is.

WHY YOU NEED SPODEK LAW GROUP ON YOUR SIDE

Our Spodek Law Group stands out for a reason: we win tough cases. We do that by pushing our clients to face reality, no matter how uncomfortable it is. We also rely on our extensive network of expert witnesses and investigators who can strengthen your defense. We believe that every client has the right to a robust defense, but we are brutally honest about what it takes to succeed.

We have attorneys who were featured on major news outlets. For example, Todd Spodek was featured in coverage about Anna Delvey, a high-profile case that made national headlines. We can bring that same energy and dedication to your Hobbs Act case.

We are available 24/7 to talk about your legal issues. If you let fear or indecision hold you back, you’re putting your fate in someone else’s hands. That is unacceptable. You must be proactive. You must tackle this problem head-on, or risk your entire future. We make no apologies about the fact that the stakes are enormous. And we will not tolerate a half-hearted effort. You either fight, or you let the government trample you.

HOW TO CONTACT OUR TEAM FOR A RISK FREE CONSULTATION

If you need immediate help, call us for a risk free consultation. During this consultation, we will hear your side of the story and help you decide on the next steps. You can ask us anything, and we’ll answer in plain language. If we think we can truly help you, we will let you know. If we think there’s no good fit, we will tell you that too. We never take on cases we can’t handle effectively. We only take on clients when we believe we can make a positive impact.

You’re not alone. At Spodek Law Group, we can help you. We have decades of experience, we understand what’s at stake, and we will fight for the best possible outcome. The Hobbs Act is daunting, but with the right legal team, you have a chance to protect your future.

If you want to speak with us in person or over the phone, we are available 24/7. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us now. This is your future on the line, and we don’t tolerate excuses.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

No recipient of content from this site, client or otherwise, should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included here without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice. Spodek Law Group expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this site. Sending us an email or calling us does not create an attorney-client relationship. We only form an attorney-client relationship once we both sign a formal agreement. Every single case is different, and prior outcomes do not guarantee future results.

If you are ready to protect your rights, reach out now. Don’t wait for the prosecution to build a rock-solid case against you. Call our NYC Criminal Lawyers or fill out our online form for a consultation. We have decades of combined experience handling complex charges. We take your freedom seriously. When you hire us, you’re getting a dedicated legal team that was built to handle high-stakes, high-stress situations.

At the end of the day, the Hobbs Act isn’t something you can ignore. If you do, you risk losing everything. Talk to us, and let us guide you through this. You need a champion who will fight for you. We are Spodek Law Group. We can help you.