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 Idaho, extortion is defined under Idaho Code § 18-2403 and is considered a serious criminal offense. The statute outlines that a person commits extortion when they unlawfully obtain property of another by threatening to: (1) inflict bodily injury on anyone or commit any other criminal offense; (2) accuse anyone of a crime or expose a secret tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule; (3) take or withhold action as a public official, or cause an official to take or withhold action; (4) bring about or continue a strike, boycott, or other collective action to harm someone's business; or (5) testify or withhold testimony regarding another's legal claim or defense. Extortion in Idaho is typically prosecuted as a felony, which can result in significant prison time. The specific penalties for extortion can vary based on the circumstances of the crime, including the amount of money or value of property involved. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized by 18 U.S.C. § 872 to 18 U.S.C. § 876, which also covers threats and demands made through interstate communication, including mail and electronic means.