Holding a Person Against Their Will
Kidnapping Defense Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
There are always two sides to the story in allegations of kidnapping. But this is a serious felony charge with the potential for a substantial prison sentence. Your attorney must be able to point out the holes in the story to create reasonable doubt that the kidnapping occurred or that you were even involved.
Phoenix, Arizona, criminal defense attorney Richard Suzuki brings extensive experience in both state and federal prosecutions for kidnapping, false imprisonment or child abduction. Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. represents clients in the Phoenix area, Maricopa County and surrounding jurisdictions of southern Arizona.
Aggressive Defense by a Former Federal and State Prosecutor
Free Consultation • (602) 635-1369 • Hablamos Español!
Kidnapping is defined as moving a person from one place to another against their will, confining, or restricting them by use of physical force, intimidation or deception. A kidnapping for ransom is very rare. Charges usually arise from scenarios such as:
- Domestic quarrels
- Confronting an ex-spouse or former girlfriend
- Child custody disputes
- A drug transaction gone awry
- Trying to prevent someone from calling the police
- Burglary of a residence or business thought to be unoccupied
- An assault or sexual assault
- Attempts to intimidate a person
Kidnapping is usually a class 2 felony, carrying a prison sentence of 4, 5 or 10 years, depending on dangerousness enhancements (serious injury, use of a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon) or age of the victim. If the person was released unharmed, it may be charged as a class 4 felony.
It becomes a federal crime if the victim is transported across state lines. Mr. Suzuki is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with extensive experience on both sides of federal criminal proceedings.
Defense Strategies in Kidnapping Cases
We have investigators who do amazing work in gathering evidence to support our clients' innocence. We thoroughly research the background of the alleged victim (including their own criminal history, similar allegations in the past, incidents of mental illness) and track down witnesses that police failed to question or excluded from their report because they had a differing version of events. False identification is also a possible defense.
If the prosecution has a solid case, Mr. Suzuki will negotiate for the best plea deal possible. If plea negotiations fail or cannot produce a good outcome for you, Mr. Suzuki is a very effective trial lawyer who can challenge the state’s ability to prove their case against you.
Call us 24/7 at (602) 635-1369 or contact us online for a free initial consultation. Mr. Suzuki and staff members are fluent in Spanish.
