Santa Barbara Kidnapping Attorney

Let Our Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers Help

Kidnapping is defined under California law as moving a victim a substantial distance using fear or force as a motivator. Using force or fear means a person actually inflicts physical strength upon a person or threatens to inflict imminent bodily harm in order to get them to participate in the move without the person’s consent.

If you’ve been charged with kidnapping, you could face years in prison and high fines. Make sure you give yourself the best chance of avoiding a conviction by talking to one of our skilled Santa Barbara violent crimes attorneys. Appel & Morse is dedicated to providing excellent defenses to our clients. We have 3 decades of legal experience to offer you.

Get your case started by calling us at (805) 467-6060 or filling out our online form today!

Penalties

The punishment for kidnapping will depend on several factors, especially the type of charge you’re facing. Simple kidnapping is a felony, which could get you up to 8 years in prison. Aggravated kidnapping, on the other hand, is a much more serious charge. Aggravated kidnapping involves using force, fear, or fraud upon a victim who is a minor under 14 years of age. It could also mean abduction accompanied by a demand for ransom, involving causing the victim serious bodily harm or death, violating a number of other laws related to kidnapping, or kidnapping another person while carjacking. Aggravated kidnapping is also a felony and carries a sentence of a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of a lifetime in prison. This crime is also a strike under California’s three strikes law, so you must serve at least 85% of your sentence before you are eligible for release.

Talk to Our Skilled Attorneys Today

There are a number of potential defenses to kidnapping charges. Let our knowledgable Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers take a look at your case and make experienced recommendations about your best legal course of action. We can offer flat fees and payment plan options because we believe all people have the right to an excellent defense. Talk to us about your case as soon as possible.

Contact us at (805) 467-6060 or fill out our online form today!