Murfreesboro Abduction and Kidnapping Defense Attorneys

Defending against Serious Abduction and Kidnapping Charges in Middle Tennessee

Kidnapping is a serious criminal offense at both the federal and state level. Each state has its own laws regarding kidnapping offenses, and it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who has experience defending against serious felony charges. If you do not have an aggressive defense against kidnapping allegations, you can face the consequences for the rest of your life. Do not wait to contact Taylor Law Group as soon as possible after a kidnapping arrest for immediate assistance.

The Offense of Kidnapping

Tennessee law defines kidnapping as knowingly abducting or confining someone in a manner that interferes with their liberty and exposes them to the substantial risk of injury. Kidnapping is a Class C felony without any aggravating circumstances. Parental kidnapping is also taken very seriously by the courts, and parents accused of abducting their children can face the same kidnapping charges as those accused of abducting strangers.

In many cases, prosecutors will allege aggravating factors to enhance the charges and penalties sought. Aggravated kidnapping charges can involve one of the following factors:

• Kidnapping as part of another felony offense
• The offense was committed to interfere with government or political function
• Having the intent to terrorize the victim or another person, or to cause serious injury
• Causing the victim to sustain injury
• Using or possessing a deadly weapon during the kidnapping

Aggravated kidnapping is a Class B felony in Tennessee. In addition, the prosecutor might issue Class A felony charges of especially aggravated kidnapping if they allege any of the following:

• The kidnapping was accomplished due to a deadly weapon
• The victim is younger than 13 years old
• The kidnapping was intended to collect a reward or ransom
• The victim sustains serious injury
• The kidnapping was intended to hold someone hostage or use them as a shield

A critical part of defending against aggravated kidnapping charges is to challenge the aggravating factors alleged by the prosecutor to prevent unnecessarily enhanced charges.

Possible Penalties for a Kidnapping Conviction

The penalties for any kidnapping conviction can be extremely serious, and a sentence can involve the following maximum penalties:

• Kidnapping = Three to 15 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine
• Aggravated kidnapping = Eight to 30 years in state prison and a $25,000 fine
• Especially aggravated kidnapping = 15 to 60 years in state prison and a $50,000 fine

Additionally, a kidnapping conviction on your record can destroy your career and personal life long after you complete a sentence. It is essential to mount the most effective defense possible to prevent these serious consequences whenever you can.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers about Your Abduction or Kidnapping Case

You should always discuss criminal charges with a skilled defense lawyer, especially if you face serious felony charges.  Taylor Law Group is ready to help. Call 615-890-1982 or contact us online right away, and we can begin assessing your case.