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 Nevada, extortion is defined as the act of obtaining money, property, or official action from someone through the use of force, threats, or the abuse of power. This includes threats of physical harm, damage to property, or the exposure of damaging information about a person, whether true or false. Extortion is considered a serious crime and is typically prosecuted as a felony, which can result in significant prison time. Nevada's laws on extortion can be found under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 205.320, which outlines the crime of obtaining money or property by false pretenses, and NRS 207.190, which covers obtaining signatures by means of threats. The specific penalties for extortion in Nevada vary depending on the circumstances of the crime, but they can include imprisonment and fines. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized under 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876, which also provides for penalties including fines and imprisonment. It is important for individuals facing extortion charges in Nevada to consult with an attorney who can provide legal advice tailored to the specifics of their case.