Do not wait to consult with an attorney if you have been charged with kidnapping. With help from a Gilbert kidnapping defense lawyer, you could avoid a conviction that otherwise stays on your criminal record for the rest of your life.
The team at Suzuki Law Offices is committed to exceptional legal service. We have former prosecutors on staff who have decades of combined criminal case experience. Trust us to help you fight back against a kidnapping conviction. Speak with a Gilbert violent crimes lawyer today.
What to Expect from a Kidnapping Defense Lawyer
A Gilbert kidnapping defense attorney is your legal representative and advocate. They understand how difficult it is to contest a criminal charge. Your lawyer offers legal services and support in many areas, including:
Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System
Your Gilbert criminal defense lawyer understands the law and how it applies to your case. They answer any questions you have about your criminal charge and how a conviction will affect you. Your lawyer uses their legal knowledge to craft an argument that will resonate with the court.
Evidence Collection
Just because you say you should not be convicted of kidnapping does not mean the court will agree with you. Your lawyer collects evidence to strengthen your case. They want to make it clear that the prosecution’s case is unwarranted. If your attorney has a wide range of proof, it may be difficult for a prosecutor to get a conviction.
Plea Bargaining
A prosecutor may offer a plea deal if your attorney prepares a compelling case. At this point, you and your lawyer can evaluate the proposal. Your attorney can advise you on what to do with an offer. They will let you know what can occur if you accept a plea bargain.
Suzuki Law Offices provides insights into the common types of felony offenses and other factors relating to your case. We commit time and resources to your case, putting you in a position to stay out of prison and defend against other severe penalties. Request a case consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
Committed to providing exceptional legal service to each and every client through integrity, compassion and experience.
Get StartedWhat It Means to Be Charged with Kidnapping
The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) define kidnapping and the penalties you face if you are convicted of this crime. Per ARS 13-1304, you can be convicted of kidnapping if a court finds that any of the following are true:
- You hold a victim for ransom or involuntary servitude.
- You hold a victim and injure, kill, or sexually assault them.
- You place a victim in danger of physical injury.
- You disrupt the performance of a government or political function.
- You take control of a plane, bus, ship, train, or another vehicle.
Kidnapping is generally classified as a class 2 felony. If a victim is released voluntarily without physical injury before an arrest, the charge may be treated as a class 3 or 4 felony. A kidnapping defense lawyer in Gilbert discusses the short- and long-term implications of a criminal charge. They explain what can happen if you are convicted of kidnapping.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Penalties for a Kidnapping Conviction
Those convicted of kidnapping are subject to a prison sentence. If you are convicted of a class 2 felony, you may receive up to 24 years in prison. With a class 3 felony conviction, you may face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. In a situation where you are convicted of a class 4 felony, you may have to spend one to 3.75 years in prison.
Along with these penalties, your conviction appears on your criminal record. Thus, it can make it tough to buy a home or land a job. Your conviction may also result in a loss of gun rights and other civil rights. If you are convicted of a sex crime, you may have to add your name to a sex offender registry, per ARS 13-3821.
In addition to these things, family members and friends may look at you differently after you have been convicted of kidnapping. Your conviction may lead these individuals to distance themselves from you. Ultimately, it pays to have a kidnapping defense attorney in Gilbert on your side. Your lawyer does everything they can to dispute your criminal charge.
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Gilbert Kidnapping Defense Legal Strategies to Consider
Getting charged with kidnapping can make you feel like your world is in danger. Thankfully, you do not have to face your charge alone. Your lawyer learns about your case and looks for ways to argue against the prosecution. They may evaluate various legal strategies, such as:
Mistaken Identity
You are arrested for kidnapping because the police believe you are someone else. In this situation, your lawyer may share your alibi with the court. If your attorney proves you were somewhere else when a crime was committed, the court may drop the case against you.
Consent
Someone is in your care but later claims you kidnapped them, leading to an arrest. Regardless, you have proof that this party consented to you caring for them. Based on this, your attorney may compel the court to rule in your favor.
Lack of Intent
You may commit a crime without realizing that you are doing so. Depending on the facts of your case, your attorney may be able to show that there was a lack of intent to engage in criminal activity. This may prompt the court to have a reasonable doubt about whether to convict you.
What you do today has far-flung effects on your kidnapping case outcome. If you hire a criminal defense attorney, you can take the first step toward creating an effective legal strategy. With this lawyer at your disposal, you can minimize your risk of a conviction.
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Get Help from a Criminal Defense Law Firm with a History of Excellence and Integrity
Suzuki Law Offices treats our clients like you’d treat your family. We want you to feel confident in our ability to handle your kidnapping case. Our team works with you to ensure that your legal needs are met at each stage of your proceedings. Allow us to help you with your case. Contact us to get started.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form