Oklahoma
Oklahoma Extortion and Blackmail Laws: Penalties (2026)
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 17, 2026). · 7 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Blackmail and extortion are both crimes in Oklahoma, and the state keeps them as separately named offenses. Extortion, defined in 21 O.S. 1481 and punished under 1483, is a Class D1 felony, and blackmail under 21 O.S. 1488 is also a Class D1 felony, punishable by up to 5 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Attempted extortion is a Class D3 felony.
Information last verified on October 17, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Oklahoma's extortion and blackmail statutes (21 O.S. 1481 to 1486 and 1488), the Class D1 and Class D3 sentencing sections (21 O.S. 20N and 20P) that took effect January 1, 2026, the property-or-value felony in the nonconsensual dissemination statute (21 O.S. 1040.13b(G)), and the child-exploitation offenses in 21 O.S. 1021.2 and 1040.13a as they apply to threats aimed at minors. It does not cover what to do if you are being threatened or how to get images removed (see our sextortion scams guide), image-sharing crimes generally (see revenge porn laws by state), federal offenses (covered on our extortion and blackmail laws by state hub), or city and county ordinances.
What is extortion in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma defines extortion in 21 O.S. 1481:
"Extortion is the obtaining of property from another with his consent, induced by a wrongful use of force or fear, or under color of official right."
The penalty section, 21 O.S. 1483, reaches "Every person who extorts or attempts to extort any money or other property from another, under circumstances not amounting to robbery, by means of force or any threat such as is mentioned in Section 1482 of this title." Three related sections cover particular forms of the offense:
- Obtaining a signature by extortion (1485): "by any extortionate means," obtaining another's signature to "any paper or instrument, whereby, if such signature were freely given, any property would be transferred, or any debt, demand, charge or right of action created."
- Extortion by threatening letter (1486): with intent to extort money or other property, sending "any letter or other writing, whether subscribed or not, expressing or implying, or adapted to imply, any threat" of the kind listed in 1482.
- Extortion under color of official right (1484): extortion by a person acting under color of official right, in cases for which a different punishment is not prescribed.
What kinds of threats count?
Under 21 O.S. 1482, "Fear such as will constitute extortion, may be induced by a threat, either:"
- "To do an unlawful injury to the person or property of the individual threatened, or to any relative of his or member of his family; or,"
- "To accuse him, or any relative of his or member of his family, of any crime; or,"
- "To expose, or impute to him, or them, any deformity or disgrace; or,"
- "To expose any secret affecting him or them."
The extortion list in 1482 does not include threats about immigration status or intimate images. Those appear in other statutes: immigration-status threats in the blackmail statute, and intimate-image threats in 1040.13b, both covered below.
Blackmail in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, blackmail is the name of a separate offense. 21 O.S. 1488 provides:
"Blackmail is verbally or by written or printed communication and with intent to extort or gain any thing of value from another or to compel another to do an act against his or her will: 1. Accusing or threatening to accuse any person of a crime or conduct which would tend to degrade and disgrace the person accused; 2. Exposing or threatening to expose any fact, report or information concerning any person which would in any way subject such person to the ridicule or contempt of society; or 3. Threatening to report a person as being illegally present in the United States, and is coupled with the threat that such accusation or exposure will be communicated to a third person or persons unless the person threatened or some other person pays or delivers to the accuser or some other person some thing of value or does some act against his or her will."
Two features set blackmail apart from extortion under 1481-1483. It covers a demand to "compel another to do an act against his or her will," not only a demand for property. And the accusation or exposure must be "coupled with the threat" that it will be communicated to a third person unless the person pays, delivers something of value, or does the act.
Oklahoma extortion and blackmail penalties
| Offense | Statute | What it prohibits | Class | Statutory penalty range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion | 21 O.S. 1481-1483 | Extorting money or other property by force or a threat listed in 1482, in circumstances not amounting to robbery | Class D1 felony | Up to 5 years in DOC custody, at least 20% served; 1 to 7 years or 2 to 10 years with listed prior convictions |
| Attempted extortion | 1483 | Attempting to extort money or other property by force or a listed threat | Class D3 felony | Up to 2 years in DOC custody, at least 10% served; 1 to 4 years with one or two prior Class C or D convictions, and a longer range under 20P(C)(2) |
| Obtaining a signature by extortion | 1485 | Obtaining a signature to an instrument that would transfer property or create a debt or right of action, by extortionate means | Class D1 felony | Same as extortion |
| Extortion by threatening letter | 1486 | Sending a letter or other writing expressing or implying a 1482 threat, with intent to extort money or other property | Class D1 felony | Same as extortion |
| Extortion under color of official right | 1484 | Extortion under color of official right, where no different punishment is prescribed | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in the county jail, a $500 fine, or both (21 O.S. 10, the general misdemeanor penalty) |
| Blackmail | 1488 | An accusation, exposure or immigration-report threat with intent to extort or gain anything of value or to compel an act, coupled with a threat to tell a third person | Class D1 felony | Up to 5 years in DOC custody as for Class D1 (at least 20% served), a fine of up to $10,000, or both |
| Gaining property or value through dissemination or threatened dissemination of private sexual images | 1040.13b(G) | Violating or attempting to violate 1040.13b(B) and gaining or attempting to gain property or anything of value as a result | Class D1 felony (version effective January 1, 2026) | Up to 5 years in DOC custody, at least 20% served (20N); a second or subsequent violation also requires sex offender registration |
The Class D1 ranges come from 21 O.S. 20N. Under 20N(B), a person convicted of a Class D1 offense "shall be punished by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for a term of not more than five (5) years and shall serve at least twenty percent (20%) of the sentence imposed before release from custody." Under 20N(C), the range is one to seven years for a person previously convicted of one or two Class C or Class D offenses, and two to ten years for a person previously convicted of three Class C or Class D offenses or one or more Class Y, Class A or Class B offenses. Section 20N(F) provides that "All Class D1 criminal offenses shall be punishable by the corresponding fines as provided for in the Oklahoma Statutes"; for blackmail, 1488 sets a fine of up to $10,000.
The Class D3 range for attempted extortion comes from 21 O.S. 20P, which lists "Attempted extortion" among Class D3 offenses: "a term of not more than two (2) years," with "at least ten percent (10%) of the sentence imposed" served before release.
Is extortion a felony in Oklahoma?
Yes, in almost every form, and the amount involved does not change the grade. Extortion, obtaining a signature by extortion, extortion by threatening letter and blackmail are all Class D1 felonies; attempted extortion is a Class D3 felony. The exception is extortion under color of official right under 1484, which "is guilty of a misdemeanor" where a different punishment is not prescribed elsewhere; the general misdemeanor penalty in 21 O.S. 10 is up to 1 year in the county jail, a $500 fine, or both.
These classes come from Laws 2025, c. 486, which converted the extortion and blackmail sections to Oklahoma's class-based sentencing system effective January 1, 2026. This page describes the provisions in force since that date.
Threats to sue, report someone, or expose a secret
The extortion threat list in 1482 includes a threat "To accuse him, or any relative of his or member of his family, of any crime" and "To expose any secret affecting him or them." The blackmail statute, 1488, lists "Accusing or threatening to accuse any person of a crime or conduct which would tend to degrade and disgrace the person accused," exposing information that would subject a person to "the ridicule or contempt of society," and "Threatening to report a person as being illegally present in the United States." Neither list names a threat to file a civil lawsuit. Section 1481 requires that the consent be "induced by a wrongful use of force or fear." Whether a particular demand falls within these statutes is a question for a lawyer licensed in Oklahoma.
Sextortion in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has no statute titled sextortion or sexual extortion. A 2024 bill, SB 1265, proposed creating a felony offense of sexual extortion; its bill history shows it was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee in February 2024, with no later action, and it is not law.
The provision that reaches sextortion-type conduct is subsection G of 21 O.S. 1040.13b, Oklahoma's nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images statute. It applies to "Any person who violates or attempts to violate the provisions of subsection B of this section and who gains or attempts to gain any property or who gains or attempts to gain anything of value as a result of the nonconsensual dissemination or threatened dissemination of private sexual images." That conduct is a felony punishable by up to 5 years, and a second or subsequent violation requires the offender to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offenders Registration Act.
The official compilation prints two versions of 1040.13b enacted in 2025. The version effective January 1, 2026 (Laws 2025, c. 486) classifies subsection G as a Class D1 felony. The version from Laws 2025, c. 23 (effective November 1, 2025) also covers threatened dissemination of "artificially generated sexual depictions" and sets up to 10 years for a second or subsequent violation.
Where property or anything of value is obtained, the conduct may also fall within extortion under 1483 or blackmail under 1488, depending on the threat used. Where a minor is targeted, 21 O.S. 1021.2 makes it a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000, to procure or cause the participation of a minor under 18 in child sexual abuse material (a Class B1 felony under the version effective January 1, 2026), and 21 O.S. 1040.13a makes it a Class B4 felony, punishable by up to 10 years, a $10,000 fine, or both, to facilitate, encourage, offer or solicit sexual conduct with a minor by use of any technology.
If you or someone you know is being threatened with the release of images, our sextortion scams guide covers reporting and removal steps. For Oklahoma rules on AI-generated images, see Oklahoma deepfake laws, and for image-sharing crimes nationwide, revenge porn laws by state.
Related Oklahoma offenses
- Robbery. Section 1483 applies only "under circumstances not amounting to robbery," so the extortion statute does not apply where the circumstances amount to robbery, a separate offense. Our Oklahoma theft laws page covers theft offenses.
Recent changes
- January 1, 2026: Laws 2025, c. 486 amended 21 O.S. 1483, 1485, 1486 and 1488 to place extortion, obtaining a signature by extortion, extortion by threatening letter and blackmail in Class D1, and attempted extortion in Class D3, under the class system in 21 O.S. 20N and 20P.
Federal law
Federal law also reaches interstate threats and extortion, separately from Oklahoma's statutes; our extortion laws hub covers the federal offenses.
Related pages
- Extortion and blackmail laws by state
- Oklahoma deepfake laws
- Oklahoma scam and fraud laws
- Oklahoma theft laws
- Sextortion scams: what to do
- Texas extortion laws
- Kansas extortion laws
This article provides general legal information about Oklahoma criminal statutes as of October 17, 2026. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Oklahoma.
Last updated: October 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blackmail illegal in Oklahoma?
Yes. Blackmail is its own offense under 21 O.S. 1488 and is a Class D1 felony, punishable by up to 5 years in the custody of the Department of Corrections (at least 20% served), a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Is extortion a felony in Oklahoma?
Yes. Extortion under 21 O.S. 1483 is a Class D1 felony (up to 5 years, longer with listed prior convictions) and attempted extortion is a Class D3 felony (up to 2 years). The exception is extortion under color of official right under 1484, which is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in the county jail, a $500 fine, or both, under 21 O.S. 10) where no different punishment is prescribed.
Is threatening to report someone to immigration blackmail in Oklahoma?
The blackmail statute, 21 O.S. 1488, lists threatening to report a person as being illegally present in the United States, when made with intent to extort or gain anything of value or to compel an act and coupled with a threat that the report will be communicated to a third person unless the person pays or acts.
Is sextortion a crime in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has no statute titled sextortion, but 21 O.S. 1040.13b(G) makes it a felony, punishable by up to 5 years, to gain or attempt to gain property or anything of value as a result of the dissemination or threatened dissemination of private sexual images, where the person violates or attempts to violate 1040.13b(B). It is a Class D1 felony under the version effective January 1, 2026. A second or subsequent violation requires sex offender registration. Where a minor is targeted, 21 O.S. 1021.2 (procuring or causing a minor's participation in child sexual abuse material, up to 20 years) and 21 O.S. 1040.13a (soliciting sexual conduct with a minor by technology, a Class B4 felony) can also apply.
Is it extortion in Oklahoma to send a threatening letter demanding money?
Sending any letter or other writing that expresses or implies a threat listed in 21 O.S. 1482, with intent to extort money or other property, is a Class D1 felony under 21 O.S. 1486, whether or not the writing is signed.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Oklahoma Statutes, Title 21: CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
§ 1481Extortion definedIn force
Extortion is the obtaining of property from another with his consent, induced by a wrongful use of force or fear, or under color of official right. R.L.1910, § 2682.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oklegislature.gov
§ 1488BlackmailIn force
Blackmail is verbally or by written or printed communication and with intent to extort or gain any thing of value from another or to compel another to do an act against his or her will: 1. Accusing or threatening to accuse any person of a crime or conduct which would tend to degrade and disgrace the person accused; 2. Exposing or threatening to expose any fact, report or information concerning any person which would in any way subject such person to the ridicule or contempt of society; or 3. Threatening to report a person as being illegally present in the United States, and is coupled with the threat that such accusation or exposure will be communicated to a third person or persons unless the person threatened or some other person pays or delivers to the accuser or some other person some thing of value or does some act against his or her will. Blackmail is a Class D1 felony offense punishable by imprisonment as provided for in subsections B through F of Section 20N of this title, or a fine not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine. Added by Laws 1974, c. 142, § 1, emerg. eff. May 3, 1974. Amended by Laws 1997, c. 133, § 363, eff.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oklegislature.gov
§ 1040.13bNonconsensual dissemination of private sexualIn forcecited in 8 of our articles
images. A. As used in this section: 1. "Image" includes a photograph, film, videotape, digital recording or other depiction or portrayal of an object, including a human body; 2. "Intimate parts" means the fully unclothed, partially unclothed or transparently clothed genitals, pubic area or female adult nipple; and 3. "Sexual act" means sexual intercourse including genital, anal or oral sex. B. A person commits nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images when he or she: 1. Intentionally disseminates an image of another person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed, in whole or in part; 2. Obtains the image under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know or understand that the image was to remain private; and 3. Disseminates the image without the effective consent of the depicted person. C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the intentional dissemination of an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or whose intimate parts are exposed when: 1. The dissemination is made for the purpose of a criminal investigation that is otherwise lawful; 2.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-03 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oklegislature.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2021
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Doe v. Coomes (District Court, N.D. Oklahoma 2021)“…tional distress. 2. Violation of 21 O.S. §1040.13b Oklahoma law c…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Oklahoma Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026), Oklahoma AI Laws and Regulation (2026), Oklahoma Pornography Laws (2026): Obscenity, Age Verification & CSAM
§ 20NClass D1 offensesIn forcecited in 10 of our articles
A. Upon the effective date of this act, Class D1 shall include the following criminal offenses: 1. Public warehouse and/or commodity stock fraud, as provided for in Section 9-34 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 2. False issuance of warehouse receipt, as provided for in Section 9-35 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 3. Misrepresentation of charter, as provided for in Section 9- 36 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 4. Tampering with anhydrous equipment, as provided for in subsection A of Section 11-10 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 5. Willfully burn forest, grass, crops, or woodlands, as provided for in Section 16-25 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 6. Willful and unlawful burning of forest, grass, croplands, rangeland, or other wild lands by owner, as provided for in Section 16-28.1 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 7. Possession of incendiary device with the intent to burn, as provided for in Section 16-34 of Title 2 of the Oklahoma Statutes; 8. Operate aircraft not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Aircraft Registry or foreign country, as provided for in subsection A of Section 258 of Title 3 of the 9.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-31 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at oklegislature.gov
Also relied on in: Oklahoma Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules, Oklahoma AI Meeting Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Rules (2026), Oklahoma Ring Doorbell Laws: What You Need to Know in 2026
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Sources and References
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 1481-1486 and 1488, Extortion and blackmail(oklegislature.gov).gov
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 20N and 20P, Class D1 and Class D3 offenses(oklegislature.gov).gov
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 1040.13b, Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images(oklegislature.gov).gov
- SB 1265 (2024), Sexual extortion bill history(oklegislature.gov).gov
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 1021.2, Procuring a minor for participation in child sexual abuse material(oklegislature.gov).gov
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 1040.13a, Soliciting sexual conduct with a minor by use of technology(oklegislature.gov).gov
- Okla. Stat. tit. 21, 10, Punishment of misdemeanor(oklegislature.gov).gov
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