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 Mississippi, extortion is defined as the act of obtaining money, property, or anything of value from another by wrongful use of actual or threatened force, violence, or fear, or under color of official right. This crime is codified under Mississippi Code Section 97-3-82, which classifies extortion as a felony. The penalties for extortion in Mississippi can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. The specific punishment depends on the circumstances of the crime, such as the amount of money or value of the property involved. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is also a criminal offense as outlined in 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876, which can apply if the extortionate act involves interstate or foreign commerce or is committed against a federal official. Both state and federal laws address various forms of extortion, including threats of violence, property damage, or other harm, and can encompass acts conducted through various means of communication.