Extortion and Retribution / Business Lawyer Colorado

Law Doesn't Allow This. The Fine Line Between Restitution and Revenge

Many litigants sue in order to teach someone a lesson, or make sure they get what is coming to them. This is not only unethical, it is not allowed and we will not be a part of it. At first this seems odd. But we are sure you'll agree, upon reflection. The civil justice system exists so you can get what's coming to you, not so you can make sure they get what's coming to them (That's what the criminal justice system and the District Attorneys are for). It is an important distinction, so keep it in mind. In the civil justice world, we are here to make you whole, focusing on what you are owed and what you deserve. Period. Apart from this, we are not interested in sticking it to the enemy, so to say. And neither should you be. Once you are made whole and fully compensated for any wrongs you have suffered, that should be the end of your quest. If, on the other hand, we discover that you are lodging claims out of desire for simply vengeance or retribution, we cannot and will not handle your matter. We are only interested in representing you if you are seeking compensation you are entitled to. It should, ideally, have nothing at all to do with the effect it has on your adversary.

Can't we threaten to report him? To the regulators, to the board, to the bar, to the cops, to the IRS?

No, you cannot threaten to do this. Threatening to report a crime in order to gain a civil advantage in your case is called 'extortion', and it is illegal. If you want to report a crime, you are free to do so. Just don't make it conditional on them doing or not doing something. Just report them if you must. Don't ask a Denver business lawyer from our firm to do this for you, because we will not.

Oh, I know we can make him settle, he violated the real estate broker rules and he'll lose his license if we report him. Just send him a letter saying so!

NO. This constitutes extortion and is illegal. It is a crime to threaten to report any regulatory breach in exchange for obtaining a settlement. Get used to this. We know it is exasperating to be forced to exercise patience when your adversary has committed a crime. The key is, you cannot threaten to reveal it unless they do this or that.

Most Crimes Have a Civil Version.

Theft is a crime. Civil theft is a claim you as a citizen can bring against another citizen for stealing. It covers the same conduct, namely stealing, but Civil theft is not a crime, it is a civil cause of action where you can sue and recover up to three times the amount stolen from you, plus attorney's fees and costs. Contact a Denver Business Lawyer at our Colorado law office to learn more about pursuit of civil crime claims against people who have committed crimes against you.

Slow Him Down and Make Him Pay!!!

Conduct in litigation designed merely to impose costs and delays on the adversary is illegal. It is against the rules of professional conduct for attorneys to try and elevate the costs or impose delays upon the other side for the simple purpose of expense and delay. Don't ask us to do it, because we wont.

In general, keep in mind that lawyers in Denver Colorado are ready to help you get what you deserve, but we are not allowed to try to inflict a punishment or penalty on the adversary. We are not in the business of making them get what they deserve. Keep it clean, folks. We are only here to help you.

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