Kidnapping is the crime of moving a person from one location to another against their will and with the threat of harm. It can involve any physical change in location, no matter how slight. Kidnapping is often a federal crime in Los Angeles matter involving law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
It is a very serious offense with penalties that include lengthy prison sentences. If you are facing such charges, connect with our kidnapping lawyer in Los Angeles today for legal counsel.
Types of kidnapping charges include:
- Kidnapping causing great bodily harm
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Kidnapping a child under 14
- When a parent kidnaps their own child
- Kidnapping someone else’s child
- Kidnapping for ransom
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Simple kidnapping – forcibly removing or trapping any person, causing them to fear for their, or someone else’s safety, if they do not comply.
California Penal Code §207 – Understanding Kidnapping Laws
Kidnapping is defined under California Penal Code §207 as using force or the installation of fear to either steal, take, hold, detain, or arrest another person in California and then transferring them either to another county, state, or country altogether. In some cases, kidnapping can be charged against someone even if they were not physically involved in the act at all. For example, should someone hire, persuade, entice, decoy, or seduce another into committing a kidnapping, they will also be guilty.
The punishments for kidnapping include imprisonment in state prison for 3, 5, or 8 years; if the person kidnapped is younger than 14: 5, 8, or 11 years. It is also important to note that if probation is granted, the law requires the court to make a condition of the probation a sentence of 12 months in a county jail. This may be overruled, but if so, the court is required to specify its reasoning. Contacting a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in your case.
Aggravated Kidnapping Charges Explained
Aggravated kidnapping can also involve other crimes, such as rape, robbery, carjacking or extortion. Aggravated kidnapping can also include holding a person for ransom, terrorizing them, or using or intending to use them as a human shield. The punishment for aggravated kidnapping is 20 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The penalties for other kidnapping crimes include imprisonment from 3 to 11 years, fines and restitution. Our Los Angeles kidnapping attorney will execute a vigorous defense; we will be tough litigators and strong advocates throughout your case.
Contact Our Los Angeles Kidnapping Lawyer
You will need an attorney who is equally single-minded in defending you, and possesses the necessary skill and experience to fight for a favorable outcome for you. Contact our kidnapping attorney in Los Angeles from Martinian Lawyers today for a free consultation.
