Kidnapping & False Imprisonment

The crime of kidnapping is defined by statute to mean forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against the victim’s will and without lawful authority, with intent to do any of the following:

• hold the victim for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage
• commit or facilitate commission of any felony
• inflict bodily harm upon or to terrorize the victim or another person
• interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function

A person who kidnaps another person is guilty of a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life.

“False imprisonment” on the other hand means forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without lawful authority and against his or her will.  A person who commits false imprisonment is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

More often than not, a person is charged with either kidnapping or false imprisonment after a domestic violence situation.  On other occasions, the charges are levied in conjunction with a robbery charge.  Either way, there are a number of ways to defend against these charges.  In domestic violence scenarios, the alleged victim typically has a motive to lie and reason to fabricate. Usually related to a divorce, jealousy or other means of manipulation.  In robbery related cases, the witnesses’ ability to identify the perpetrator is often at question. 

Erick Cruz knows how to defend against a kidnapping or false imprisonment charge.  He will expose the motives and desires of the alleged victim and challenge the ability to identify by witnesses.  With successful representation you can have your case dropped, charges or sentence reduced and your arrest record sealed or expunged.

Call Erick to discuss your case and learn how he can defend you and get your case dismissed, charges or sentence reduced and arrest record sealed or expunged.