Extortion does not involve violence but the extortion penalty usually results in jail time in most states. Extortion involves written and verbal threats made against a person to get money, services or favors from them. The charge is usually associated with organized criminals who use extortion (the threat of death or dismemberment) to get people to do what they want. They don’t have to break someone’s leg to get their money---they just have to make the threat. Even though violence is not involved, law enforcement officials take extortion seriously because if the threat is carried out, it could lead to violence. Extortion is a felony charge in most states. Most of the time the extortion penalty is similar to the guidelines from the state of Massachusetts: Two and half to 15 years in prison; Fines up to $5,000. The sentence will vary depending on the previous criminal record of the offender and the circumstances of the case.