Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 3923 - Theft by extortion(a) Offense Defined.--A person is guilty of theft if he intentionally obtains or withholds property of another by threatening to: (1) commit another criminal offense;(2) accuse anyone of a criminal offense;(3) expose any secret tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule;(4) take or withhold action as an official, or cause an official to take or withhold action;(5) bring about or continue a strike, boycott or other collective unofficial action, if the property is not demanded or received for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor purports to act;(6) testify or provide information or withhold testimony or information with respect to the legal claim or defense of another; or(7) inflict any other harm which would not benefit the actor.(b) Defenses.--It is a defense to prosecution based on paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3) or (4) of this section that the property obtained by threat of accusation, exposure, lawsuit or other invocation of official action was honestly claimed as restitution or indemnification for harm done in the circumstances to which such accusation, exposure, lawsuit or other official action relates, or as compensation for property or lawful services.1972, Dec. 6, P.L. 1482, No. 334, § 1, effective 6/6/1973. As amended 1976, June 24, P.L. 425, No. 102, § 1, imd. effective.