Charged with Criminal Coercion in NJ?

Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer & Protect Your Rights!

Criminal coercion involves making someone comply to your wishes by threatening them with consequences. It can be a form of a threat or a means to subvert justice, such as witness tampering.

If you are facing charges of criminal coercion, you are at risk of serious criminal penalties and a permanent criminal record. Criminal coercion is an offense that can carry several years in prison.

If you’ve been charged with criminal coercion and need someone to help you explore your options, contact us today. As a local New Jersey defense lawyer, I can help you construct a solid defense strategy to fight the charges, or work to minimize the impact of these charges in your life.

New Jersey Criminal Coercion Laws

Criminal Coercion is defined as unlawfully restricting “another’s freedom of action to engage or refrain from engaging in conduct” by threatening to do one of the following:

•  Inflict bodily injury on them,
•  Accuse them of a criminal offense,
•  Expose a secret that could cause potential harm,
•  Bring about a strike, boycott, or similar collective action,
•  Testify or withhold testimony in regards to another’s legal claim or defense, or
•  Perform another act which would benefit you while harming the other person.

Criminal Coercion Penalties

In most cases, criminal coercion is considered a crime of the fourth degree. This means it is punishable by up to 18 months in prison.

However, if the coercion involves the threat of a crime greater than a fourth degree offense, you could be charged with a third degree crime, carrying a potential 5 years in prison. In other words, if you threaten someone with significant assault or death, you could face this elevated charge.

Criminal coercion is a serious charge. It is often accompanied by other criminal charges like domestic violence offenses, terroristic threats, or even false imprisonment. You may have thought you were simply driving a hard bargain, not engaging in criminal conduct. Knowing what you’re up against can help you prepare for your court hearings and the potential outcome.

While ignorance of the law is no defense to criminal coercion, it could help explain why you did what you did. If you admit you made a mistake and want to discuss the potential for a plea agreement, we can help. Similarly, if you believe you are innocent of the charges and want a defense attorney willing to fight for your good name, we will be your staunch advocate in court.

If you’ve been charged with criminal coercion, contact our offices today to discuss your charges and the potential outcomes.

I'll let you know what I am prepared to do to fight the charges, and defend you in court.

Sincerely,

J. Matthew Reisig, Attorney at Law

(888) 628-8394 or locally at (732) 625-9660

J. Matthew Reisig & Associates
One Broad Street
Freehold, NJ 07728

We represent clients in every criminal court across New Jersey.