Being charged with kidnapping is a serious matter. It is a felony charge, and you may find yourself getting a long prison sentence. You may think you have a good defense, but even if you do, you will still need an experienced Tempe violent crimes lawyer to defend you.
There may be reasons why the charge does not stand up to scrutiny. If your Tempe kidnapping defense lawyer can show there is reasonable doubt, you may avoid a conviction. The attorneys at Suzuki Law Offices are former federal prosecutors, so we know all the defense strategies that work.
Why Choose Suzuki Law Offices
Few law firms can offer the services of people with insider perspectives on how prosecutors think. We can. That is not the only advantage you will have. Our investigative team, headed by former law enforcement officers, digs deep to find information that will benefit your case.
We have been defending people who were charged with crimes since 2007. Your rights before the law are important to us, and we know you need someone in your corner. We are on call to help you, and we treat our clients just like you would treat your family.
Our Tempe criminal defense lawyer understands how difficult it is to face these enormous charges. You are our priority, and we will do everything in our power to achieve the best possible outcomes for you. We listen, we care, and most importantly, we know what to do during your time of crisis.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedSituations That Can Result in Kidnapping Charges
There are circumstances in which people do not even realize that they may be charged with kidnapping. It is also possible that claims against them have been fabricated. Nevertheless, charges of kidnapping may be laid if you:
- Are accused of holding or transporting somebody despite their objections. This could be someone close to you, like a partner or family member
- Are charged with a burglary or robbery in which the victims were confined
- Stand accused of sex crimes in which a person was held captive or transported
- Are believed to have imprisoned someone else, for example, by locking them into a room or car
Arizona statutes define kidnapping under 13-1304—Kidnapping. The statute covers various scenarios, but they have some things in common. Specifically, the person is confined or transported, and force, intimidation, or deception is used in the process.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Kidnapping Charges Can Result From Custody Disputes
Most people think of kidnapping as a violent act in which a person is snatched away, abused, and held for ransom. Often, the truth is very different. Parental kidnapping is the most common type of kidnapping charge we encounter.
It usually happens when couples are divorced or in the process of a divorce. A parent who does not have legal custody of a child may feel that they will be better off with them. The child may go willingly, but this is still kidnapping, and the parent will face criminal charges.
These cases are very sensitive, and your Tempe kidnapping defense attorney will handle your case accordingly. If you have been charged with kidnapping as a parent, we will handle your case with all the integrity, compassion, and experience for which we have become renowned.
Click to contact our Tempe Violent Crimes Lawyers today
Penalties for Kidnapping in Arizona
Kidnapping is seen as a very serious crime in Arizona. It can be rated as a Class 2 felony, and you may be sentenced to four to ten years in prison. The length of sentences depends on factors that make the crime worse. For example, the kidnapper used a weapon, or the victim was a child.
However, a kidnapping may be seen as a Class 4 felony if the victim was not physically harmed and was willingly released by their captor. In that case, the crime is still serious, and the sentence will be between one and 3.75 years in prison.
Penalties become harsher when a kidnapping is a federal crime. This happens when state lines or national borders are crossed. Kidnapping certain types of officials or their family members can also lead to a federal charge. Mr. R.J. Suzuki, our lead attorney, is a former Federal prosecutor. His experience will benefit your defense.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Examples of Defenses Your Kidnapping Defense Attorney in Tempe May Use
The defense we use will be tailored to your case and your version of events. Be absolutely truthful about what occurred when speaking to your lawyer. Nothing you tell us will be held against you, and we will always maintain complete confidentiality. Examples of defenses include:
- You were not the person who committed the kidnapping: Victims frequently misidentify people after crimes.
- An adult who accused you of kidnapping was willing to be with you: After a dispute, people sometimes wrongly accuse others of crimes they did not commit.
- There was a misunderstanding about your parental rights: You did not realize you were violating custody arrangements.
- Somebody forced you to kidnap a person, or you were blackmailed: This may be rare, but in our experience, it cannot be ruled out.
- Your alleged victim has a history of making questionable claims against others: When it is your word against theirs, our background checks and investigations may reveal startling truths.
The best way you can help your defense is to tell your lawyer what happened. Answer any questions your kidnapping defense attorney in Tempe asks you truthfully and to the best of your ability. Remember: we are here to help.
At Suzuki Law Offices, We Are Always Available for You
After an arrest, understanding the criminal process can be difficult. One of the first things you should do is appoint a kidnapping defense lawyer in Tempe. We will work diligently to defend you. If the prosecution’s case against you is strong, we can still work to get you a favorable plea bargain.
Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7. So, if you or a loved one is facing kidnapping charges, experienced representation is just a call away. Our team, headed by Mr R.J. Suzuki, stands ready to be your voice in action. Get your criminal defense strategy started without delay.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form