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 Louisiana (LA), extortion is defined under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14:66 as the communication of threats to a person with the intention to obtain anything of value or any acquittance, advantage, or immunity of any description. This includes threats of violence, exposure of secrets, or accusations of crimes, among other forms of coercion. Extortion is considered a felony in Louisiana and can result in imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than 15 years. The specific circumstances of the threat and the value of the thing demanded can influence the severity of the penalties. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized by 18 U.S.C. §872, which prohibits the act of demanding or receiving money or other items of value through the use of force, threats, or under the color of official right. Federal penalties for extortion can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. It's important to note that both state and federal laws may apply to acts of extortion, especially if the means of communication cross state lines or involve federal officials.