Interference in Interstate Commerce by Robbery: Understanding Your Charges

The charge of interference in interstate commerce by robbery is a serious one. If you are facing this type of criminal charge, it is essential that you work closely with a skilled, Las Vegas criminal defense attorney.

What Is Interference in Interstate Commerce by Robbery?

If you’ve been charged with interference with commerce, you are in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951. In short, you are being charged with a federal crime of robbery.

Interference in interstate commerce is any instance in which a person delays, obstructs or otherwise affects commerce. This can be the sale of or the movement of any type of commodity. The law indicates this can be through robbery or extortion, but in this particular case, the charge implies a federal robbery has occurred. This can also be in relation to attempts on this type of crime or applies when an individual conspires to commit such a crime, threatens to do so, or otherwise is thought to be involved in such a crime. This falls under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951.

The Hobbs Act prohibits any degree or way in which an actual or attempted robbery occurs when it affects foreign or interstate commerce – whether that involves theft related to goods coming into the country or crossing over state lines.

Why Was This Act Put in Place?

The original creation of this act dates back to 1946. During that time, it was a step towards combating racketeering, one of the most common types of crime. Specifically, it was meant to reduce racketeering as it related to labor and management disputes in which extortion was frequently a concern. The extortion portion of this law still involves any instances in which such inference in interstate commerce involves public corruption. This includes labor dispute corruption.

What Evidence Is Necessary to Prove a Violation Occurred?

This is a rather complex type of case in that it is a federal crime. To confirm this type of federal crime occurred, the prosecuting attorney must prove several things. Remember, in a criminal defense case like this, the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable level of doubt. To do this, they must convince the court of three things:

1. They must prove that the individual accused of the crime knowingly took or otherwise obtained the property of another person, as they are charged.
2. They must prove that the accused person took the goods in such a way as it was against the alleged victim’s will. Moreso, they must have done so by means of some type of actual or perceived threat of force or through some type of violence, fear of being injured, or other risk. This threat could occur at the time of the theft or it may occur at some time in the future.
3. Finally, the federal government must prove that the actions of the individuals delayed, affected, or in some way obstructed the sale of the items. This could occur as a result of the individual’s specific actions.

It is important to remember that this is very difficult to prove without solid evidence. However, when the federal government brings this type of charge to an individual, there is often a significant amount of evidence present.

What Should You Do If You Are Charged with This Federal Crime?

Individuals who enter into a courtroom without a criminal defense attorney by their side will likely face the most risk in cases like this. Unfortunately, it is very common for these types of cases to have substantial evidence. However, with a well-qualified attorney, it may be possible to provide that you did not commit the crime in some way, refuting at least one of the above requirements to prosecute you.

Every case is very different and each one requires the care of an experienced, aggressive attorney. Do not put off hiring an attorney to defend you against this type of federal crime no matter how much evidence you believe is available.

Contact Gabe Grasso Today

Have you been charged with interference in interstate commerce by robbery or another type of federal crime? Don’t delay in getting experienced, trusted legal help. Call Gabriel L. Grasso, your Las Vegas, criminal defense attorney. This complicated case requires the attention of a skilled attorney. We are here for you. Call 702-868-8866 to schedule a consultation with our team or for immediate help.