We Have Experience with Both Sides of Criminal Cases
Coercion is a second-degree misdemeanor that prosecutors can use to put you in jail for up to three months. Even worse, coercion is typically charged with other criminal allegations. This means that presenting a strong defense may involve attacking the lesser charges directly in order to reduce the severity of the more serious charge.
Patituce & Associates thoroughly understands how prosecutors build their cases because we’ve been prosecutors ourselves. This unique perspective allows our Cleveland coercion lawyers to build strong cases for our clients. Call (440) 471-7784 to speak with an experienced Cleveland coercion defense attorney for free!
Coercion Charges & Penalties in Ohio
Coercion is the use of threats or unlawful leverage to cause a person to take action, or fail to take action, that would be their lawful choice. Under O.R.C. 2905.12, threatening to commit a crime, expose secrets about a person, or even speak ill of them in order to influence their actions is conduct that can fall under this statute.
According to O.R.C. 2905.12, depending on the other charges you’re facing, a coercion conviction could mean serious jail time, fines, and more. Coercion is rarely filed on its own. In fact, it is more likely to be an offense included in a larger indictment for crimes such as extortion or crimes related to organized crime rings conducting illicit business.
On its own, Coercion is a second-degree misdemeanor with a sentence of up to 90 days, but as part of a bigger prosecutorial strategy, proving that you engaged in Coercion can lead a jury to convict you of much more serious charges. That’s why the Cleveland coercion attorneys at Patituce & Associates are committed to helping clients just like you push back against these charges and protect your legal rights.
The Role of Coercion in a Criminal Defense Case
In order for a confession to be admissible in court, it must be voluntary. Coercion involves using force or the threat of force to influence a person to do something. Sometimes, police officers or others involved in the criminal justice process may pressure a defendant to take a plea deal or confess to a crime they didn’t commit. However, coercion is illegal and is a criminal offense.
On the other hand, if you were pressured by the threat of violence to commit a crime, this also counts as coercion. The court should consider whether coercion was a substantial factor in the crime when determining your guilt. Depending on the situation, this could result in lessened or even dropped charges.
Forced confessions will be counted as inadmissible or impeached in court. If you were pressured into confessing to a crime you didn’t commit, our legal team can work diligently to determine whether coercion may be a possible defense for your case. On the other hand, if you were coerced into committing a crime, our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers can use evidence to build your case and represent you in court.
Defense for Coercion Charges in Cleveland, OH
At Patituce & Associates, we have guided numerous clients to successful legal solutions. If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, we will talk with you to determine your options. Coercion is illegal, and we will tenaciously represent you in court as you seek to lessen or drop the charges.
Call(440) 471-7784 or contact us online to speak with our Cleveland coercion defense lawyers about your case. The sooner you pick up the phone, the faster we can fight for justice for you.