United States v. Harris

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The Eleventh Circuit affirmed Defendant’s conviction of extortion in violation of the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. 1951(a),(b)(2), holding that sufficient evidence supported Defendant’s conviction and that the district court did not violate Defendant’s right to present a complete defense when it limited his closing argument.Defendant was convicted of extortion by two alternative means - by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear; and under color of official right. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed, holding (1) the government presented sufficient evidence to support Defendant’s conviction for extortion; and (2) the district court did not abuse its discretion when it prevented Defendant from arguing in closing that the government should have charged him with theft instead of extortion. View "United States v. Harris" on Justia Law