Getting arrested for kidnapping can make you question what will happen next. If you are not careful, you may be convicted and face severe punishments. Alternatively, if you partner with a kidnapping defense lawyer in Safford, you can defend against a conviction.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we provide exceptional legal service to those charged with kidnapping. Our team includes former prosecutors who know what legal challenges will come up in your criminal case. Trust our team to use our decades of experience to help you through the legal process. To learn more, request a consultation with a Safford violent crimes lawyer.
Why Now Is the Time to Fight Back Against Your Kidnapping Charge
Your kidnapping will not go away by itself. If you are convicted, you will be punished, and your conviction will stay with you for years. Work with a kidnapping defense attorney in Safford to contest your charge. That way, you are well-equipped to disprove the prosecution’s case.
Initially, your Safford criminal defense lawyer gets insights into your kidnapping charge and arrest. From here, they start getting ready for your trial. Your attorney gathers evidence to support their argument and looks at how a prosecutor will argue their case. Additionally, your lawyer remains available to address any legal concerns or questions you may have.
Suzuki Law Offices has received positive reviews from clients charged with kidnapping and other violent offenses. We take your kidnapping charge seriously and do everything within our power to dispute the prosecutor’s argument. For more information, schedule a case consultation with us.
Penalties If You Are Convicted of Kidnapping
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-1304 defines kidnapping and the penalties associated with it. You can be charged with kidnapping if you hold someone for ransom or involuntary servitude, or injure, kill, or sexually assault the victim. Kidnapping is treated as a felony and is punishable with a prison sentence.
You are subject to collateral consequences following a kidnapping conviction. These consequences can include difficulty finding a job or housing due to your conviction, as well as international travel restrictions. Also, your conviction can affect the way family and friends view you to the point where they decide they no longer want to stay in contact with you.
Meet with a Safford kidnapping defense lawyer if you are worried about a conviction. Your attorney will answer frequently asked questions and any others you may have about the legal process that follows a kidnapping arrest. They will help you make informed decisions as this process moves forward.
What to Expect If You Have Been Arrested for Kidnapping
Do not go through the legal process after a kidnapping arrest alone. Otherwise, you risk mistakes that could lead to a conviction. Your violent crimes attorney will guide you through this process, which includes the following stages:
Preparing for Your Trial
Your lawyer examines the specifics of your charge and arrest. At the same time, they account for the prosecution’s body of evidence. Ideally, your attorney crafts an argument that will make it clear to a judge or jury why you should not be convicted. They work closely with you to build their argument and ensure you know what can happen during your trial.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
Before your trial, your attorney or the prosecutor can propose a plea deal. Your lawyer will keep you updated about plea bargain negotiations. If your attorney receives an offer, you can review the proposal with them. Your lawyer can advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain. Regardless, you make the final decision on a plea agreement.
Going to Trial
If no plea deal comes to fruition, you and your lawyer present your case in court. Meanwhile, the prosecution will argue why a conviction is warranted. The court will decide on your case, and you will find out if you will be punished for kidnapping.
The legal process can be emotionally taxing. Thankfully, your attorney remains on your side at each stage of this process. Your lawyer will teach you what this process entails and help you feel confident about your case. They will examine various legal defenses and search for ways to raise doubts about the prosecution’s argument.
Kidnapping Legal Defenses in Safford to Consider
Saying you do not deserve to be convicted is not enough to stay out of prison. Your criminal defense attorney will tailor a legal defense to your case. Legal strategies your attorney may utilize when they argue your case in court include:
Consent
You can be charged with kidnapping if someone claims you took them somewhere without their consent. However, your attorney may share written communications between you and the person who alleged you kidnapped them to prove you had their consent. These communications and other evidence can make it tough for the court to convict you.
No Intent to Injure or Harm
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may argue that you never intended to injure or harm someone. If their argument is successful, the prosecution may struggle to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you should receive a conviction.
Duress
Per ARS 13-412, duress refers to any conduct in which a reasonable person facing a threat or violence would commit a harmful act toward someone. Your lawyer may show the court that you committed a kidnapping because someone would have harmed you if you did not.
The approach you take to your legal defense has long-lasting implications. If you and your lawyer work as a team to develop your legal strategy, you may be well-equipped to get a favorable ruling. Or, you may be in a great position to receive a plea deal that lines up with your expectations.
Choose a Criminal Defense Law Firm with a History of Integrity and Excellence
Suzuki Law Offices has a proven track record of delivering high-quality legal counsel. We can connect you with a Safford kidnapping defense attorney who prioritizes your case.
Your lawyer will commit substantial time and resources to your case and help you get your desired case outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a former prosecutor.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form