The crime of kidnapping is the taking of another person against his or her will it is also the holding of another person for monetary gain either through ransom or extortion or the carrying away of another person to commit either rape or robbery
A person may be guilty and convicted of kidnapping when that person either by force or by fear takes, holds or detains any person.
A person is guilty of the more serious crime of aggravated kidnapping, if they:
(1) Kidnap another person for some sort of monetary gain such as a ransom;
(2) Kidnap another person with the intent to commit robbery during the course of the kidnapping;
(3) Kidnap another person intent to commit rape or another sexual crime against that person during the course of the kidnapping; or
(4) Kidnap another person during the course of committing a carjacking.
Punishment for Kidnapping
A person convicted of kidnapping in California may be sentenced to state prison for three, five, or eight years.
If the person kidnapped is under 14 years of age the person may be sentenced to state prison for five, eight, or eleven years.
Kidnapping for ransom other than monetary gain may bring about a prison sentence of life.
In cases in which the victim has suffered, killed, or injured or held in a manner that exposes the victim to great bodily harm a person may be sentenced life without the possibility of parole.
A person convicted of kidnapping for the purposes of robbery, carjacking, rape or other sexual crimes may be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
As you can see kidnapping is an extremely serious crime with grave consequences for the person charged. There are always options available however and it is the government's burden to prove all of these charges. The best thing a person can do for themselves or for a loved one is to hire an experienced Van Nuys criminal defense lawyer who will fight for their life and freedom.
At Sigal Law Group we pride ourselves on obtaining great results on even the most difficult cases and having a track record of happy clientele. Contact Sigal Law Group today for a free consultation.