A man receives a letter in the mail that tells him to go to the nearby bank, rob it for at least $50,000, and leave the money at a certain location within one week, “or else.” Two days later the man proceeds to rob the bank and is arrested. At trial his lawyer argues duress. Can this defense be expected to succeed?
Yes, the threat of “or else” could have been very serious and significant.
Yes, the threat was imminent.
No, a threat from a letter is never sufficient to argue duress.
No, the threat was vague and not imminent.
