Kidnapping

Abduction, child stealing, personal asportation – no matter what name is given to it, kidnapping is an incredibly serious crime that affects hundreds of thousands of people every year. It is broadly defined as taking someone against his or her will, or wresting control of a child from his or her guardians through force, coercion, intimidation or threat.

Kidnapping often involves additional crimes, such as abuse, carjacking, and robbery. A typical felony sentence for simple abduction (without ransom involved) is between three and eight years.

However, not all kidnapping cases are considered equal. California law sees kidnapping with the intent of ransoming (forcing payment or other services in exchange for the person’s return to freedom) as punishable by life in prison, without the possibility of parole if the victim is injured or killed.

Some kidnapping cases are complicated by laws of child custody. For instance, if two parents share custody of a child under 18 years of age, and one flees with him or her, that parent is considered guilty of kidnapping, regardless of whether the child came willingly or not. This particular form of a kidnapping offense can be punished with jail time and a fine of up to $10,000.

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If you or someone you know is facing charges of kidnapping, it is vitally important that you find an experienced legal representative as soon as possible to defend your case. Contact the experienced team of San Jose criminal defense lawyers at the [firm-name] today by calling [phone-number].