State v. Privette, 218 N.C. App. 459 (Feb. 7, 2012)

The trial judge properly instructed the jury on extortion using the pattern jury instruction. The court rejected the notion that North Carolina recognizes a “claim of right” defense to extortion. Instead, it construed the statute to require proof that the defendant intentionally utilized unjust or unlawful means in attempting to obtain the property or other acquittance, advantage, or immunity; the statute does not require proof that the defendant sought to achieve an end to which he had no entitlement.