Long Beach Kidnapping Defense Attorneys

Although the term "kidnapping" sounds as though someone illegally takes a child against his/her will, this crime actually involves the taking of an individual using force or threats against his/her will, regardless of the victim's age. Whether or not you are related to the alleged victim, this is a criminal offense that is vigorously prosecuted, and could leave those accused facing serious consequences.

You may be under investigation or have been arrested for simple kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, or child/parental kidnapping. Regardless, it is critical to obtain the support of a skilled Long Beach criminal defense attorney, as you could be facing prison time, a criminal record, and more if convicted.

General kidnapping under California Penal Code Section 207 involves the forcible taking of another person using force or by instilling fear, and who steals, takes, holds, arrests, or detains another individual in one county and transports the victim to another county, state, or country.

If you are arrested for simple kidnapping and convicted, you may be sentenced to 3, 5, or 8 years in prison. If the victim is younger than 14, the maximum prison term for kidnapping is 11 years.

Aggravated kidnapping is charged as a felony, and is the most serious kidnapping charge you may face. With aggravated kidnapping, the offender kidnaps the intended victim with the intent to terrorize, sexually harm, or cause bodily injury to the victim. When someone kidnaps another person for the purpose of holding that individual for ransom or using the victim as a hostage or human shield, it is classified as aggravated kidnapping.

Child kidnapping involves a victim who is younger than 18 years of age, and is the most common type of kidnapping. The taking of a minor by someone who is known or unknown to the victim is frequently in the news.

Parental kidnapping occurs when one or both biological parents abduct a child that either one or both do not have legal custody of. For example, a mother may have legal custody of the child/children, and the non-custodial father takes the child out of the county, state, or country without permission. In some cases, grandparents or others may have legal custody of the children, and both biological parents unlawfully abduct the children. In the majority of cases, parental kidnapping is charged as a misdemeanor.

Offenders with a prior criminal record may be imprisoned for life or a minimum of 25 years if found guilty of kidnapping; in addition, this is an offense that is a strike under the state's Three Strikes law.

As you can see, kidnapping is a very serious offense in Long Beach and throughout southern California. Every person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If you are being investigated or have been arrested, your freedom, reputation, and career are in serious jeopardy. At The Justice Firm, we provide outstanding legal guidance and support, working vigorously to obtain the best possible result for each of our clients. Call us for a free consultation today at 310-914-2444.