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 West Virginia, extortion is considered a serious criminal offense and is defined under state law as the act of obtaining property, services, or any other benefit from someone through the wrongful use of force, fear, or threats. This includes threats of physical harm, threats to property, or threats to expose damaging information about a person. Extortion can be committed through various means of communication, including in-person, by phone, mail, email, text, or social media. The specific statutes governing extortion in West Virginia can be found in the West Virginia Code, which outlines the elements of the crime and the associated penalties. Depending on the severity of the offense, extortion can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with penalties ranging from fines and probation to significant prison time. Additionally, under federal law, extortion is criminalized under 18 U.S.C. §872 to 18 U.S.C. §876, which also provides for penalties that can include imprisonment. Individuals facing extortion charges or victims of extortion should consult with an attorney to understand the specific implications of these laws and to receive legal guidance tailored to their situation.