It is frustrating and embarrassing to get charged with kidnapping. Regardless, now is the time to face the aftermath of your arrest. Let a kidnapping defense lawyer in Pima assist you as you go through the legal process. Your attorney will protect your legal rights and best interests as your case moves forward.
Suzuki Law Offices is proud to be an Arizona criminal defense law firm that values integrity and excellence. Our team includes former prosecutors who will apply their many years of experience to your kidnapping case. With our team on your side, you are never alone during the legal process. For more information, schedule a case consultation with a Pima violent crimes lawyer from our team.
Why You Should Get Legal Help if You Have Been Arrested for Kidnapping
What you do in the days after your kidnapping arrest has far-reaching effects. If you try to ignore your charge, the prosecutor in your case will continue to pursue a conviction. Thus, you may be punished severely since you have chosen not to contest your charge.
A kidnapping defense attorney in Pima understands how emotionally taxing it is to be charged with a crime. Your Pima criminal defense lawyer provides legal support and guidance during this challenging time. They will look for ways to fight back against your charge and help you make informed legal decisions at each stage of your litigation.
Suzuki Law Offices has received dozens of positive client reviews. We take your kidnapping charge seriously. Throughout your litigation, we provide exceptional service and make sure your legal needs are met consistently. Allow us to help you with your case. Contact us today.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedWhat to Expect If You Are Convicted of Kidnapping
The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1304 define kidnapping and the penalties that come with being convicted of this offense. Kidnapping is treated as a Class 2, 3, or 4 felony. If you are convicted of kidnapping for the first time, you may be subject to any of the following penalties:
- A prison sentence of up to 21 years
- A fine of up to $150,000
- Probation
Criminal penalties can escalate if you have been convicted of kidnapping previously. Also, if the victim is a minor or a deadly weapon was involved, you may be subject to an extended prison sentence and other harsh penalties.
Lawyer Near Me (602) 682-5270Kidnapping Legal Defense Strategies in Pima to Consider
Your Pima kidnapping defense lawyer wants you to keep your freedom. They will account for the prosecution’s collection of evidence and what it will take to disprove a prosecutor’s argument. Your attorney may assess various legal defenses, including:
Lack of Intent
To be convicted of kidnapping, a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to restrain or move someone against their will. Your lawyer can present evidence that may make the court doubt your intent. If your attorney’s argument is successful, the court may have no choice but to drop your case.
Mistaken Identity
Someone accuses you of kidnapping, but you are the victim of mistaken identity. Your lawyer can share your alibi with the court. By doing so, the court may see that you were not present when a kidnapping allegedly took place and that you had nothing to do with the crime.
Entrapment
The police pressure you to commit a crime, then arrest you for doing so. In this situation, your attorney may explain to the court that the police entrapped you. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the court may rule that the police were engaged in criminal entrapment. At this point, you may not be convicted.
Your attorney explores every legal avenue as they craft their argument. They will search far and wide for evidence to support your case. If your lawyer has a wide range of evidence, it becomes exceedingly difficult for the prosecution to secure a conviction.
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Evidence to Use to Defend Against a Kidnapping Conviction
Physical and testimonial evidence can make a difference as you dispute a kidnapping charge. Your attorney may utilize surveillance camera footage, DNA evidence, and witness statements to show that the case against you is flawed. At the same time, they will account for the prosecution’s evidence and may prove that some or most of their proof should be suppressed.
For example, the police may arrest you, question you, and gather information that the prosecution intends to use as evidence. Yet, the police must read your Miranda warning after your arrest and before questioning. If police officers do not share your Miranda warning, your attorney may say that your Fifth Amendment rights were violated.
If the prosecution has concerns about their evidence or the proof your attorney has gathered, they may be inclined to come to terms on a plea agreement. Your lawyer will keep you informed about plea deal negotiations and can evaluate an offer with you.
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When to Accept a Plea Deal in a Kidnapping Case
Your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of a plea deal in your kidnapping case. They can explain the short- and long-term implications if you accept a plea bargain. If a plea deal falls short of what you want, your lawyer may encourage you to continue with your litigation.
A plea deal may allow you to accept the penalties for false imprisonment in lieu of those for kidnapping. False imprisonment penalties are classified under ARS 13-1303. It may be treated as a Class 6 felony, with penalties of up to two years in prison. Or, as a Class 1 misdemeanor, a false imprisonment conviction can lead to six months in jail, a fine, and probation.
Just because you want a plea deal does not mean one will necessarily be available to you. If the prosecution is unwilling to negotiate a plea agreement, your attorney will make sure your case is ready for trial.
Receive Nuanced, Results-Driven Advocacy from a Criminal Defense Attorney Who Truly Cares About You and Your Case
The Suzuki Law Offices team is committed to our clientele. We can connect you with a Pima kidnapping defense attorney who will work diligently to help you with your case.
To learn more, schedule a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
