Criminal Coercion

New Jersey Criminal Coercion

Criminal Defense Attorney

Tracy L. Denholtz regularly represents people accused of Criminal Coercion and related offenses. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation. No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

Criminal Coercion

(N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5)

Criminal Coercion: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5, a person is guilty of criminal coercion if, with purpose unlawfully to restrict another’s freedom of action to engage or refrain from engaging in conduct, he threatens to:

Inflict bodily injury on anyone or commit any other offense, regardless of the immediacy of the threat;
Accuse anyone of an offense;
Expose any secret which would tend to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or to impair his credit or business reputation;
Take or withhold action as an official, or cause an official to take or withhold action;
Bring about or continue a strike, boycott, or other collective action, except that such threat shall not be deemed coercive when the restriction compelled is demanded in the course of negotiation for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor acts;
Testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information with respect to another’s legal claim or defense; or
Perform any other act which would not in itself substantially benefit the actor but which is calculated to substantially harm another person with respect to his health, safety, business, calling, career, financial condition, reputation, or personal relationships.

3rd Degree Offense: Criminal coercion is a crime of the 3rd degree if there is a threat to commit a crime more serious than a 4th degree offense OR if the actor’s purpose is criminal. A 3rd degree offense is punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

4th Degree Offense: Criminal coercion is a crime in the 4th degree unless certain other circumstances apply (in which case it is a 3rd degree offense). A 4th degree offense is punishable by up to 18 months in prison.

Relationship to Extortion: Criminal coercion is closely related to the crime of extortion (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-5). The only real difference between the two relates to what is being sought by the actor: In the case of extortion, the person is seeking money or property, whereas in the case of criminal coercion, a restriction on the freedom of activity of the victim doesn’t necessarily involve money or property. See N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5, Comment 1.

Contact a New Jersey Criminal Coercion Lawyer for a Free Consultation

The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating, including jail or prison time. It can impact employment, housing, finances, education, reputation, and relationships. Criminal cases are also very complex and highly specialized. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.