Opinion ID: 653713
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Allegation of Extortion

Text: 45 Childs asserts that because the amount of restitution the prosecutor sought was greater than the amount eventually ordered by the trial court, the prosecutor's behavior came unconscionably close to extortion. Although Childs does not specifically articulate what remedy he seeks, he apparently means to argue that the prosecutor's behavior constituted outrageous government misconduct warranting dismissal of the case. 46 Dismissal of an indictment is warranted if the government's misconduct violated the Due Process Clause. To violate due process, government conduct must be so grossly shocking and so outrageous as to violate the universal sense of justice. United States v. Smith, 924 F.2d 889, 897 (9th Cir.1991) (citing United States v. Ramirez, 710 F.2d 535, 539 (9th Cir.1983)). While the amount of restitution sought by the prosecutor from Childs during plea negotiations was greater than the amount eventually ordered by the court, it was not an exorbitant sum coming unconscionably close to extortion, given the number of stolen cars involved. The prosecutor's request for $10,000 is not the type of conduct which violate[s] the universal sense of justice. Id. Childs argument is without merit.