Los Angeles Kidnapping Attorney

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 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.

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 of 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 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.

Explanation of Aggravated Kidnapping Charges

Aggravated kidnapping also involves another crime, 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 law office will execute a vigorous defense; we will be tough litigators and strong advocates throughout your case.