UCMJ Article 127: Extortion

The Manual for Courts-Martial states any service member may be subject to prosecution under Article 127 if they communicate threats to another person to obtain thereby anything of value or any acquittance, advantage, or immunity.

For a service member to be prosecuted for extortion, the prosecution must demonstrate the accused communicated a particular threat to another and that the accused intended to unlawfully obtain something of value or any acquittance, advantage, or immunity.

Understanding Article 127 (Extortion) of the UCMJ

Extortion does not have to be successful to be a punishable offense.  It is considered to be complete when the communication of the intended threat is made.

A threat may be communicated by any means but must be received by the intended victim. The threat may be a threat to do any unlawful injury to the person, their property, their family, or anyone they care about.  The threat may be one of physical violence, accusation of a crime, or any exposure of disgrace or secrets.

Maximum Possible Punishment for Violations of Article 127

Service members convicted of violating Article 127 face the maximum possible punishment of a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for three years.

How do you defend against Article 127 Extortion charges?

When you are facing the combined resources of the military as well as the current cultural climate, you need to be prepared to defend your career and your freedom. Crisp and Associates, LLC has a team of experienced trial attorneys with over 75 years of combined experience who have won these cases. This team includes the firm’s founder, Jonathan Crisp, a highly respected and sought-after attorney, speaker, and lecturer who has served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) since 1998 and entered private practice in 2007.

If you, or someone you know, is facing Article 127 charges for Extortion, you need to speak with a Military defense attorney right away. We understand what is at risk, and we know how to protect your career, your freedom, and your future. Please call Crisp and Associates Military at 888-258-1653 for a free consultation.