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 Nebraska, extortion is considered a serious criminal offense and is defined under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-513. The state classifies extortion as a form of theft, where an individual obtains money, property, or services from another by threatening to inflict harm, accuse someone of a crime, expose secrets, or take or withhold action as a public official, among other coercive methods. The severity of the charge can range from a Class II misdemeanor to a Class II felony, depending on the circumstances and the value of the money, property, or services involved. Penalties can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. Extortion is also a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. §872, which prohibits individuals from committing extortion under color of official right, and 18 U.S.C. §873 to §876, which cover various forms of threats and demands. Federal penalties for extortion can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. Whether prosecuted at the state or federal level, the specific charges and penalties for extortion depend on the details of the act, including the means of communication used, the nature of the threats, and the value of the demands.