§ 4702 — Threats and other improper influence in official and political matters

(a) Offenses defined.--A person commits an offense if he:

(1) threatens unlawful harm to any person with intent to influence his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official or voter;

(2) threatens unlawful harm to any public servant with intent to influence his decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding; or

(3) threatens unlawful harm to any public servant or party official with intent to influence him to violate his known legal duty.

(b) Defense prohibited.--It is no defense to prosecution under this section that a person whom the actor sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because he had not yet assumed office, or lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason.

(c) Grading.--An offense under this section is a misdemeanor of the second degree unless the actor threatened to commit a crime or made a threat with intent to influence a judicial or administrative proceeding, in which cases the offense is a felony of the third degree.

Legislative History

Cross References.Section 4702 is referred to in section 5708 of this title; section 5552 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).