Whatever the circumstances that gave rise to a kidnapping charge, there are serious consequences if you are found guilty. Getting strong representation is your best course of action, and our kidnapping defense lawyer in Florence is always on standby. Call Suzuki Law Offices. We are always available.
The way the law interprets kidnapping can be confusing, but our former federal prosecutor, Mr. RJ Suzuki, has the insights you need to develop a unique defense strategy. With a Florence violent crimes lawyer who cares about outcomes on your side, many of the uncertainties you now face can be laid to rest.
Choosing Our Florence Kidnapping Defense Lawyer
When you are facing serious criminal charges, you need a lawyer who will give your case the attention it deserves. At Suzuki Law Offices, “diligence” is our watchword. Our Florence criminal defense lawyers go above and beyond the norm to uncover true facts that will benefit your case. Choose us because:
- We know that we are working with real people whose future depends on us. Our team prioritizes you.
- We pledge to do everything in our power to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.
- Our former law enforcement investigators search for crucial evidence that the police have missed and that we can use to strengthen your defense.
- With our lawyers to back you up, we work to ensure nobody takes advantage of you or violates your rights.
- We guide you through the legal process so that you are prepared and know what to do.
We understand that you are in a bad situation right now. We bring calm and a sense of purpose that will help you and your family get through this dark time. Our clients agree. If there is one thing that sets us apart, it is genuinely caring about you and your case. Read our reviews to find out what our clients say about us.
A Brief Overview of the Charges You Face
It is extremely rare for kidnapping cases to follow the model we see on TV or in movies. Forcibly taking someone from one place to another is enough to warrant a charge of kidnapping. Similarly, if a person claims you used threats or intimidation to control their movements, you may be charged with kidnapping.
With kidnapping laws covering a wide range of scenarios, the severity of outcomes varies. Courts consider factors like the relationship between the accused and the alleged victim, whether weapons were used, and the duration of the incident.
In most instances, the parties know each other well and become involved in a heated dispute before the incident occurs. If, at any point, one person restrains another from leaving a location or forcibly takes them to another one, the matter can end in a felony charge.
Possible Defense Strategies That May Apply
Situations that can lead to kidnapping charges are usually emotionally charged. Whether this led you to engage in an ill-advised course of action or the charges are fabricated, we will seek a defense strategy that could see your name cleared or your penalty lightened. This may include:
- Consent: The alleged victim agreed to be with you, but later claimed you had forced them to remain with you or travel with you.
- False accusation: You did nothing wrong, but a person later accused you of kidnapping.
- Insufficient evidence: The evidence presented by the prosecution fails to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Lawful authority: You were entitled by law to take or restrain the alleged victim. For example, they are a minor and you are their legal guardian.
- There was no substantial interference with the alleged victim’s liberty: For example, you briefly grabbed a person’s wrist during an altercation.
- Self–defense or defense of another: You had reason to believe that you or someone else would be in immediate danger if you failed to restrain or remove the alleged victim.
For a court to find you guilty of kidnapping, there must be no reasonable doubt that what you did matches the description of kidnapping given in ARS 13-1304.
An effective kidnapping defense attorney in Florence may be able to show police, prosecutors, or a court that the charge is exaggerated or that they should doubt it altogether.
Outcomes You Can Achieve With Help From Our Florence Kidnapping Defense Attorney
The outcome of your case depends on how robust the evidence against you is. Your circumstances may also influence it at the time, and evidence that was not considered at the time you were charged. Their deep understanding of the law is among the reasons to hire a criminal defense lawyer. Outcomes we can work toward, from most to least favorable, include:
- Charges are not filed: Your lawyer shows the police that you have been arrested on weak evidence that will never stand up in court.
- Prosecutors or the court dismiss your case: Charges are laid, but the court rejects them without further ado.
- You are tried and found not guilty: The court examines the prosecution’s case against the defense and finds that you are not guilty of the charge.
- Plea bargain with reduced charges: There was an incident, and there is strong evidence that you made an error of judgment, but it was not severe enough to justify a kidnapping charge. Your lawyer and the prosecution agree on a plea bargain in which you plead guilty to a lesser charge.
- Conviction with mitigating circumstances reducing the penalty: There is no doubt that the evidence justifies a charge of kidnapping, but there are circumstances that should be seen as reasons to reduce your sentence.
We will never promise you a miracle. We will give you a clear indication of what we may be able to achieve, why, and what may change that outlook. This can change as more information becomes available. We will keep you informed so that you know what to expect.
If You Have Been Charged With Kidnapping, Suzuki is Your Lawyer
Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. Even if you did something wrong, you are still a human being with rights. Suzuki Law Offices is here to protect your rights and ensure you do not suffer a miscarriage of justice.
Contact our kidnapping defense lawyer in Florence as soon after your arrest as you can. The law protects your right to representation for good reasons, and at a time like this, you need a law firm with proven results. We are your voice in action. Strong representation begins with Suzuki.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form