Van Nuys Kidnapping Defense Lawyer

Charged with Kidnapping?

Kidnapping is an extremely serious criminal offense. This is can be investigated by state law enforcement agencies as well as federal agencies, as it is classified as a crime under both state and federal law. If you or someone you know has been accused of kidnapping or has been arrested for this offense, you will benefit from consulting an attorney as soon as possible.

A skilled Van Nuys criminal defense attorney in your area can review your particular charges in order to determine what can be done to start protecting your rights immediately – before you submit to police questioning or a search of your property or person. Immediate intervention and aggressive legal counsel early on in a case can positively impact the final outcome that you are able to reach. This will mean lessened charges or penalties, dropped charges or possibly an acquittal.

Kidnapping Laws and Penalties in California

California Penal Code Section 207 defines kidnapping and sets forth penalties for this crime. According to this statute, kidnapping is the unlawful taking of another person against their will. This may include stealing, taking, holding, detaining or arresting another person through the use of force, threats, coercion or fear. This may occur within a state, within a country or between states or countries. When kidnapping involves a child under the age of 14, this is a more serious charge and a conviction will result in enhanced penalties.

• Simple Kidnapping:
  Up to 3, 5 or 8 years in state prison
• Kidnapping for Ransom or Robbery (Aggravated Kidnapping):
  Life in prison without the possibility of parole
• Kidnapping of a Child under 14:
  Up to 11 years in state prison

Kidnapping is considered a serious felony offense in California. This means that an offender may face receiving a strike on his or her record for a conviction, and this will result in double the penalties for a second violent/serious felony and lifetime imprisonment for a third felony conviction, even when not violent or serious.

You need immediate, aggressive representation by a skilled lawyer if you’ve been accused of kidnapping. Contact Van Nuys Kidnapping Defense Lawyer Jonathan C. Rosen today.