What is the punishment for coercion of a public servant or voter if the coercion involves a threat to commit a felony?

The punishment for coercion of a public servant or voter that involves a threat to commit a felony is classified as a 3rd degree felony. This classification underscores the seriousness of coercive actions that target individuals in positions of public trust or those engaged in the democratic process. In the context of coercion, when the threat involves a felony, it raises the stakes significantly, reflecting the potential harm that such coercive tactics can inflict on the integrity of public administration and the electoral system.

The specific classification as a 3rd degree felony rather than a higher degree recognizes that while the actions are indeed serious, they may not involve the most extreme circumstances that characterize 1st or 2nd degree felonies. This creates a legal framework that enables appropriate sentencing and deterrence for such behavior, highlighting the importance of safeguarding public officials and voters from intimidation or coercion.