LEO: Threatening Criminal Prosecution in Civil LE Op. 776
Threatening Criminal Prosecution in Civil Matter.
April 3, 1986
In a letter requesting payment on a bad check, attorney states his intent
to prosecute under § 18.2-181 of the Code of Virginia should payment not
be forwarded, and includes the sentence "this law carries criminal
sanctions." Such language is improper because it threatens to initiate
criminal charges solely for the purpose of obtaining an advantage in a
civil matter. [ DR:7-104]
Committee Opinion April 3, 1986
See also LE Op. 1388.