Extortion is the threatening, coercive act of demanding payment, favorable government action from a public official, or another benefit from someone in return for not doing violent, physical harm or injury to the victim or his property, or revealing compromising or damaging information about the victim (whether it is true or false), or causing unfavorable government action against the victim or his interests. Extortion (sometimes referred to as the crime of coercion or blackmail) is a criminal offense in all states and under federal law.

Extortion can occur in person, by telephone, by U.S. mail, by e-mail, by text message, through social media, or by other means of communication.

The definition and penalties for the crime of extortion vary from state to state—in some states blackmail is part of the criminal offense of extortion, and in some states blackmail and extortion are separate criminal offenses.

The crime of extortion may be prosecuted as a felony in some states—with potential prison time—or as a misdemeanor eligible for probation. The crime of extortion is usually located in a state’s statutes. And extortion is also a crime under federal law. See 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876.

In Colorado, extortion is recognized as a criminal offense and is typically referred to as 'criminal extortion' under state law. According to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 18-3-207, a person commits criminal extortion if they make a substantial threat with the intent to induce another person against their will to perform an act or refrain from a lawful act. The substantial threat can be to cause economic hardship, bodily injury, damage to property, or other actions that would significantly harm any person. Criminal extortion in Colorado is classified as a class 4 felony, which can result in penalties including imprisonment and fines. If the threat involves a deadly weapon or the intent to cause serious bodily injury, the offense is elevated to aggravated extortion, which is a class 3 felony with more severe penalties. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized by 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876, which can apply to interstate or foreign communications or if the extortionate act affects interstate or foreign commerce. Penalties under federal law can also include fines and imprisonment, and the specific circumstances of the crime will determine whether it is prosecuted at the state or federal level.