Violent Crimes Criminal Coercion

On Behalf of | Nov 11, 2016 | Violent Crimes

In Pennsylvania, Violent Crimes such as Criminal Coercion occur if someone restricts another person’s freedom by threatening them. Violent Crimes such as this are known as Criminal Coercion. Per title 18 section 2906 of the PA crimes code, a person commits criminal coercion if, with intent unlawfully to restrict freedom of action of another to the detriment of the other, he threatens to commit any criminal offense; accuse anyone of a criminal offense; expose any secret tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule; or take or withhold action Assault Crimes as an official, or cause an official to take or withhold action. It is not uncommon for criminal coercion charges to arise from heated situations such as an emotional divorce. Criminal coercion charges can also arise from violent crimes such as the robbery of a bank. There are a few different defenses to criminal coercion that your defense attorney can argue to the prosecution.

​It is a defense to prosecution that you believed the accusation or secret to be true or the proposed official action justified and that your intent was limited to compelling the other to behave in a way reasonably related to the circumstances which were the subject of the accusation, exposure or proposed official action, as by desisting from any action or responsibility for which you believe the other disqualified. Criminal coercion is a misdemeanor of the second degree. If you are found guilty, you face a possible penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $5,000. False Imprisonment If the threat you make is to commit a felony or your intent in felonious, then you are committing a misdemeanor of the first degree. If you are found guilty, you could face up to 5 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000. If you find yourself facing criminal coercion charges, it is important to meet with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney will be able to assess the elements of your case and will allow your case to receive the best outcome possible.

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