Pennsylvania law sections 4702 and 4703 address threats and retaliation related to official and political matters. Section 4702 criminalizes threatening harm to influence public officials, party officials, or voters, with penalties varying based on the nature of the threat. Section 4703 prohibits retaliation against individuals for their past official actions, ensuring protections for public officials and others involved in official duties.
A criminal threat involves threatening unlawful harm to influence the decision, opinion, or actions of a public or party official, or to induce a violation of legal duty.
Threats are generally a second-degree misdemeanor, but if they involve threats to commit a crime or influence judicial proceedings, they become a third-degree felony.
No, it is not a defense if the person sought to be influenced was not qualified or lacked jurisdiction; the law still considers the threat illegal.
Section 4703 prohibits retaliation against individuals for their past official actions, safeguarding public officials and others from retribution.