In what classification is the theft of trade secrets graded if it is committed by force?

The theft of trade secrets that is committed by force is graded as a felony of the second degree (F-2). This classification indicates a serious offense in which the method of committing the crime—specifically, through the use of force—elevates the severity of the crime. In many jurisdictions, theft of trade secrets is already a significant offense due to its impact on businesses and the economy, but the use of force adds an element that makes it more serious, warranting a higher grade than other forms of theft that might not involve such aggressive tactics.

In this context, the classification likely reflects a legal framework designed to deter particularly egregious actions that threaten individuals and organizations by combining both theft and physical intimidation. Lower classifications, like F-3 or M-1, would not appropriately convey the seriousness of a crime that combines theft with the potential for violence, which is why they do not apply.