No One is Above the Law. Even NJ Politicians
We the People Must Hold Them Accountable
The Hobbs Act
When Is It Against the Law?
For politicians, violating the Hobbs Act means leveraging their role or influence to obtain a benefit they are not entitled to—whether financial or otherwise. This includes situations where an official may attempt to influence police officers or other public servants to overlook legal violations or give them special treatment, such as getting out of a traffic ticket or using their position to avoid other legal consequences. Such misuse of power under the Hobbs Act is considered a federal offense, punishable by fines, prison time, and removal from office.
The Hobbs Act’s provisions are often applied in cases involving bribery, coercion, and “color of official right,” where an official doesn’t necessarily use force or threats but relies on the influence of their position to pressure others. This act aims to maintain the integrity of public office, ensuring that officials do not exploit their roles for personal gain or evade accountability by exerting influence inappropriately.