A kidnapping charge can make you feel like your world has been turned upside-down. If you have been arrested for kidnapping, start building your legal defense right away. Meet with a kidnapping defense lawyer in Peoria. From here, your attorney can develop a legal strategy that could help you stay out of prison.
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm with a history of excellence and integrity. Our team has decades of experience and will use our knowledge of the criminal defense system to fight back against your kidnapping charge. To learn more, consult with a Peoria violent crimes defense lawyer from our team.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer If You Have Been Charged with Kidnapping
Kidnapping is a serious offense. If you do nothing after you are arrested for kidnapping, the prosecutor in your case will work hard to make sure you are punished to the fullest extent of the law. On the other hand, if you have a kidnapping defense attorney in Peoria on your side, you can protect against a conviction.
Your Peoria criminal defense lawyer reviews the facts of your case closely. They find out why you were arrested and consider what it will take to disprove the prosecution’s argument. From here, your attorney builds your legal strategy. On top of that, they get your case ready for trial and address your legal concerns and questions as your litigation moves forward.
The Suzuki Law Offices team has received many positive client reviews. We offer exceptional legal services and ensure our clients’ needs are met consistently. Trust us to represent you in your kidnapping case. Contact us today.
Penalties if You Are Convicted of Kidnapping
Kidnapping is defined in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1304. If you are convicted of kidnapping, the punishment you receive may be based on the victim’s age and whether this is your first offense.
In Arizona, kidnapping can be charged as a felony. Those convicted of a kidnapping offense as a Class 2 felony can receive up to 20 years in prison. If you get convicted of a Class 3 felony, you may be subject to a prison sentence of up to seven years. For a Class 4 felony conviction, you may have to serve a maximum prison sentence of three years.
Your Peoria kidnapping defense lawyer provides insights into the penalties associated with your charge. They can teach you about the common types of felony offenses and how a conviction can affect you now and in the future.
Collateral Consequences of a Kidnapping Conviction
A criminal conviction will change your life. Your criminal defense attorney will explain the short- and long-term ramifications of a kidnapping conviction. They can share details about various collateral consequences you could face if you are convicted, such as:
Employment Challenges
Your kidnapping conviction will appear on your criminal record. Thus, your conviction will show up on a background check. If an employer conducts a background check, your conviction could make it tough to land your dream job.
Child Custody Restrictions
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, your conviction could hurt your chances of getting your desired outcome. A family court will account for your conviction in conjunction with many other factors as it decides child custody arrangements. It could choose to limit your access to your child, in part due to your conviction.
Loss of Voting Rights
A felony conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and you may not be able to vote for the foreseeable future. This means you cannot have your voice heard in elections until you complete the terms of your sentence.
Your attorney wants you to establish realistic expectations for your case. They describe what can happen as you go through the legal process. When you enter the courtroom for your trial, you can take solace in the fact that your lawyer is prepared to present a strong argument.
How to Defend Against a Kidnapping Conviction
Just because you tell the court that you should not be convicted of kidnapping does not guarantee you will get the case outcome you want. Your attorney crafts a legal strategy that helps the court see why your case should be dismissed. Legal defenses your lawyer may use include:
Lack of Intent
Someone alleges that you kidnapped them. However, there was a misunderstanding or miscommunication that prompted you to take the actions you did, which resulted in your kidnapping charge. Your attorney can question witnesses and share evidence that highlights your lack of intent. If your lawyer succeeds, the court may be inclined to drop your charge.
Consent
You travel with someone from point A to point B and have their consent to make this trip. Regardless, you are arrested for kidnapping.
Your lawyer can argue that you had the consent of the party who claims you kidnapped them. They may provide the court with written communications between you and this party and other evidence to support your case.
Mistaken Identity
Unfortunately, you can face a kidnapping charge because of mistaken identity. Your lawyer can discuss your alibi and how you were not present when a kidnapping reportedly took place. This alibi can make it difficult for a prosecutor to compel the court to convict you.
It is possible to receive a plea deal after you have been charged with kidnapping. Your lawyer will handle your plea bargain negotiations. They will let you know if a plea agreement is available. You can review a plea deal and weigh its pros and cons with your attorney. If you proceed with a plea bargain, you could reap the benefits of your decision to do so for years.
Get Help with Your Kidnapping Case From a Trusted Peoria Kidnapping Defense Lawyer
Suzuki Law Offices takes the guesswork out of the legal process. We can connect you with a Peoria kidnapping defense attorney who is committed to your success.
Our team can guide you through your legal proceedings and help you make informed decisions every step of the way. For more information, request a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form