Phoenix Kidnapping Defense Lawyer

Kidnapping is the crime of taking or transporting a person against his or her will. Sometimes people commit this crime for ransom or in furtherance of another crime, but most commonly it is in connection with a child custody dispute. Somebody can be charged with kidnapping for knowingly restraining another person with the intent to:

• Hold the victim for ransom, hostage or as a shield.
• Hold the victim for involuntary servitude.
• Inflict death, physical injury or a sexual offense on the victim.
• Aid in the commission of another felony.

Kidnapping in Arizona is sometimes labeled abduction when the victim is a woman. Similarly, kidnapping is sometimes labeled child stealing when the victim is a child, particularly when the kidnapper intends to permanently keep the child. In cases where a divorced parent without custody kidnaps his own child, it is referred to as “childnapping.” Even if the child gives consent in one of these cases, a person can still be charged with kidnapping or child abduction for taking the child without first obtaining consent form the child’s legal guardian.

Arizona punishes kidnapping severely. Punishments for kidnapping include long prison sentences, probation, hefty fines, loss of custodial rights and much more. Arizona defendants must promptly obtain legal counsel if charged with kidnapping. With the help of a Mesa kidnapping attorney, it may be possible for defendants to have their charge reduced to the lesser crime of unlawful imprisonment.