Kidnapping is considered a serious offense in the US and has grave repercussions if you are found guilty of kidnapping. The US has strict Federal laws with severe punishments for kidnapping. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you get an experienced attorney to represent you in case you are facing kidnapping charges. Your lawyer must be knowledgeable about the Federal laws for kidnapping.
Kidnapping is considered a crime against the state and the accused faces a trial in the court. The Public Prosecutor is required to prove the accused guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in kidnapping cases. Your kidnapping lawyer will collect all the evidence and witnesses to defend you from the charges.
Let us look at some of the kidnapping charges in the US:
18 U.S. Code section 1201 for Kidnapping
These charges are levied for illegally seizing, kidnapping, abducting, or confining someone for a ransom.
Section 1201 is also applicable in case the defendant willfully transports the kidnapped individual in foreign commerce or interstate.
This section is also levied if the defendant facilitates the crime by either using the mail by any means or traveling interstate in foreign commerce.
Section 1201 is also valid if the victim is an internationally protected individual or a foreign official or an officer/employee identified in 18 US Code Section 1114.
Violation of Federal Kidnapping laws can be punished with 20 years of imprisonment.
18 U.S. Code Section 1202 for Ransom Money
This section pertains to receiving, possessing, or disposing of ransom money. The punishment for ransom money is 10 years imprisonment and a fine.
18 U.S. Code Section 1203 for Hostage Taking
This section is applicable if an individual is found guilty of taking the victim as a hostage and making unreasonable demands for release. This section is applicable within and outside the US if the defendant threatens to injure or kill the victim to force a third person or a governmental body to either do or abstain from doing a specific act. The punishment under this section is several years of imprisonment or life imprisonment. In case of the death of the victim, the defendant may face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
18 U.S. Code Section 1204 for International Parent Kidnapping
These charges are applicable if the accused is found guilty of removing or attempting to remove a child from the United States or of retaining a child outside the US to impede the lawful exercise of parental rights. The guilty party may be punished with 3 years of imprisonment. He may also be asked to pay a fine.
Many a time, these charges may be interrelated. Only an experienced kidnapping lawyer can ascertain the applicable charges and provide the appropriate defense if you are accused of any of the above charges. Ward K Johnson Law firm is a reputed law firm with experienced attorneys. We have expert lawyers who specialize in different types of law. Consult our top kidnapping lawyers who are well-versed with nuances of Federal kidnapping laws.