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 Maine, extortion is considered a serious criminal offense and is defined under the Maine Criminal Code as a form of theft. Specifically, Maine statute 17-A M.R.S.A. § 354 outlines the crime of theft by extortion, which occurs when someone obtains or exercises control over the property of another by threatening to: cause physical harm, commit any criminal offense, accuse someone of a crime, expose secrets that would subject a person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or take or withhold action as an official, among other things. The severity of the charge can range from a Class C to a Class B crime, depending on the circumstances, with Class B being more serious and carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $20,000. Extortion is distinct from blackmail in Maine law, although the two are related in terms of coercive tactics used to obtain a benefit. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized under 18 U.S.C. § 872 to 18 U.S.C. § 876, which can apply if the extortionate act crosses state lines or involves federal officials.