Hobbs Act

The Hobbs Act prohibits any individual from obstructing, delaying, or affecting commerce, business activities, or economic operations through acts of robbery or extortion, including any attempts or conspiracies to commit these offenses. This legislation covers the wrongful acquisition of money, property, services, or any item of value attained via force, violence, threats, fear, economic or reputational harm, or the abuse of official authority.

Extortion

Extortion is defined as the obtainment, or attempted obtainment, of value from another with their consent, provided that such consent was coerced through wrongful force, violence, fear, or the misuse of an official position. Prohibited threats include potential harm to an individual, their property, reputation, financial interests, family, or business operations. This also encompasses threats to disclose secrets, falsely accuse an individual of a crime, or disrupt lawful economic activity. Public officials violate this act when they knowingly exploit their authority to secure money, property, favors, or benefits to which they are not legally entitled. The crime is considered complete regardless of whether the victim complies or the threat is actually carried out.

Robbery

Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property from another person against their will, facilitated by actual or threatened force, violence, or the fear of injury.

Attempt and Conspiracy

The Act authorizes charges against any person who attempts to commit robbery or extortion, or who conspires with others to engage in such conduct.

Effect on Commerce

This legislation applies whenever the conduct in question has the potential to interfere with trade, business operations, financial activities, services, or the movement of goods.