PL 135.60 · Article 135
Coercion in the Third Degree
Coercion in the third degree alleges that a person compelled or induced someone to do something (or not do something they had a right to do) by instilling fear of consequences such as injury, property damage, exposing a secret or other listed harms.
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Text us immediately · (845) 290-2492What the prosecutor must prove
- The accused compelled or induced a person to engage, or refrain from engaging, in conduct.
- The accused did so by instilling fear of one of the consequences listed in PL 135.60.
Defenses that commonly apply
- The statements were not threats or did not cause the conduct.
- Affirmative defense in PL 135.75 for certain good-faith demands.
- The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt; gaps in the evidence matter.
- Challenging identification, witness credibility, and the reliability of statements to police.
- Suppression of evidence or statements obtained in violation of constitutional rights.
Penalties and collateral consequences
A Class A Misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of up to 364 days and a fine of up to Up to $1,000 or up to twice the gain.
Every case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is general, not legal advice.
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