§ 16-23. Threats and other improper influence in official and political proceedings.

A person commits an offense under this section if such person purposely or knowingly:

(1)

Threatens unlawful harm to any person with the purpose of influencing the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion as a public servant, party official or voter of such person;

(2)

Threatens harm to any public servant with the purpose to influence the decision, opinion, recommendation, vote or other exercise of discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding of such public servant;

(3)

Threatens harm to any public servant or party official with the purpose to influence such public servant or party official to violate his duty;

(4)

Privately addresses to any public servant who has or will have an official discretion in a judicial or administrative proceeding any representation, entreaty, argument or other communication designed to influence the outcome on the basis of considerations other than those authorized by law. It is no defense to prosecution under this section that a person whom the offender sought to influence was not qualified to act in the desired way, whether because such person had not yet assumed office, or lacked jurisdiction or for any other reason; or

(5)

As a juror, or officer in charge of a jury, receives or permits to be received any communication relating to any matter pending before such jury, except according to the regular course of proceedings.

(Code 1981, § 9.02.220)

State law reference

Threats and other improper influence in official and political matters, MCA 45-7-102.