What crime is committed if someone influences a notary to commit official misconduct?

When someone influences a notary to commit official misconduct, this action is classified as a third degree felony. This designation is due to the serious nature of the offense, as it involves the abuse of a position of public trust—in this case, the role of the notary public. Official misconduct suggests that the notary has acted in a way that is contrary to their duties and responsibilities, which can have significant legal repercussions.

The influence exerted on the notary signifies a breach not only of legal and ethical standards but also implicates the person who exerts that influence in a more serious category of crime, as it can undermine public trust in the notarial process. Recognizing this abuse of power is essential, which is why it is classified higher than lesser misdemeanor charges or non-criminal offenses. Therefore, the classification as a third degree felony serves to highlight the severity of both influencing a notary and the potential effects on the integrity of notarial acts.