There is more than one side to every story. If police have charged you with kidnapping, you will need a Nogales violent crimes lawyer to listen to your version of events and work on building a defense. Whatever you believe happened, you are facing very serious charges. Do not risk doing so without representation.
Reach out to our kidnapping defense lawyer in Nogales. They will be able to give you good advice, ensure fair treatment, and seek the best defense strategy for your case. At Suzuki Law Offices, our lead attorney is a former federal prosecutor. This gives our lawyers further insight into what to expect and how to counter the prosecution’s evidence.
How Choosing Suzuki Law Offices Benefits You
Commitment and diligence are as important in a lawyer as their qualifications and experience. Your Nogales kidnapping defense lawyer will not take any shortcuts when dealing with your case, and you will have caring representation throughout. Choosing Suzuki Law Offices means:
- You can reach out at any time of the day, any day of the week. We are always available.
- We protect your rights. Your lawyer will check on how the police treated you, what evidence they have, and how it was gathered.
- You benefit from our access to former law enforcement investigators. If there are facts that cast doubt on the prosecution’s evidence, we will do our utmost to find them.
- Your lawyer commits to seeking the best possible outcome for you, even when other avenues are easier to follow.
When you or someone you love faces criminal charges, you are under terrible stress and may not know what to do next. Our Nogales criminal defense lawyer will take time to understand your concerns and provide informed answers.
What The Allegations Against You Mean
Most people understand kidnapping as capturing a person and holding them to ransom. The definition of kidnapping in Arizona’s Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1304 covers this, but is much broader. It means you are charged with knowingly restraining a person with the intention of:
- Getting a ransom
- Using a person to shield yourself
- Holding them hostage
- Forcing them into servitude
- Harming them or committing a felony
- Intimidating them or another person
- Interfering with official or government business
- Hijacking a vehicle
The charge is likely to be a class 2 felony unless you release the alleged victim unharmed, in a safe place, and they are over the age of 15. If officials persuaded you to do this, the charge will be a class 3 felony, and if you did it without their intervention, it will be considered a class 4 felony.
The Difference Between State And Federal Kidnapping Charges
Not all kidnapping cases are prosecuted at the state level. If you crossed international or state lines, the alleged victim was a federal or foreign official, or the incident took place on federal property, you may be charged under the Federal Kidnapping Act 18 U.S.C. § 1201.
Since Nogales is located near the border, a local kidnapping case can easily become a federal one if you crossed it. In general, federal charges are considered even more serious than state charges, and the penalties are harsher.
Federal prosecutors usually have lower caseloads and can spend more time developing a case against you. Suzuki Law Office’s experience with federal prosecutions will help us to develop a defense strategy to present to the US District Court.
What Your Kidnapping Defense Attorney in Nogales Will Seek to Achieve
We consider the evidence against you first. If there are serious gaps in it or if it is badly flawed, we may be able to get charges dropped. We also know what evidence you can use in a criminal defense case. We will search for it on your behalf so that if the matter still goes to court, we may have your case dismissed or else work for an acquittal.
We can investigate alternative interpretations of what occurred. If we can show that it has merit, it may lead to reduced charges. When the evidence against you is very strong, we can try to negotiate a plea bargain. Alternatively, we may present evidence showing you do not deserve the most stringent penalties the law allows for.
Our actions are governed by our commitment to achieving the best result possible in your circumstances. Whatever our strategy is, we will discuss it with you and keep you updated on our progress. You always know where you stand and why we are recommending specific approaches.
Arguments That May Show You Are Not Guilty of Kidnapping
Because kidnapping charges often involve disputes, misunderstandings, and heat-of-the-moment actions can become part of the picture. For example, a person agrees to accompany you and is free to leave. An argument occurs, and they accuse you of kidnapping.
In kidnapping cases, the prosecution generally has to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you:
- Acted knowingly
- Restrained a person unlawfully, and
- Did not have their consent
The prosecution’s burden of proof is high. Proving something “beyond a reasonable doubt” means they need very convincing evidence indeed. Your Nogales kidnapping defense attorney needs only to show that there is reason to doubt the evidence against you.
When You Face Kidnapping Charges, You Need Suzuki
Your future is at stake. You face the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence and a felony on your criminal record. Whether or not your charges have substance, you should not lose hope. Your kidnapping defense lawyer in Nogales will craft an individualized defense strategy and seek the most positive outcome the situation allows for.
You are entitled to representation and should choose a lawyer whose dedication is inarguable. Take your first step toward effective defense with Suzuki Law Offices. When you need our help, we are always available.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form