A kidnapping charge is incredibly serious. If you think this charge will not lead to a conviction, think again. The prosecution will do everything it can to prove to the court that you are guilty. Thankfully, a Tucson kidnapping defense lawyer can help you fight back against this charge.
The Suzuki Law Offices team includes former federal prosecutors with years of experience. We protect the legal rights and best interests of our clients. Give us the opportunity to help you with your criminal case. Speak to a Tucson violent crimes lawyer.
What It Means to Get Charged with Kidnapping
If you have been charged with kidnapping, someone alleges that you took or moved someone against their will. Kidnapping is typically classified as a felony. The following elements must be present to be convicted of this crime:
- A person restrains someone without their consent.
- The victim is brought to a different location or confined against their will.
- A perpetrator intended to take or restrain the victim.
Suzuki Law Offices wants you to get legal help as soon as you are charged with kidnapping. We can connect you with a Tucson kidnapping defense attorney who will give your case their undivided attention. Discuss your case with a Tucson criminal defense lawyer.
What to Expect if You Hire Legal Representation to Help You Prepare a Tucson Kidnapping Defense Strategy
Kidnapping is punished based on Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1304. You could receive anywhere from one to 24 years in prison if convicted.
If you were previously convicted of a dangerous crime, you could face up to life in prison. A kidnapping defense lawyer in Tucson wants you to avoid harsh penalties. They offer legal help in many areas, such as:
Investigating Your Charge
There are two sides to every story. In your case, the prosecution argues that you should be held responsible for kidnapping someone. Your lawyer listens to your side of the story. They understand why you were charged with a crime. From here, they can develop a legal strategy for you that may resonate with the court.
Collecting Evidence
Saying you did not commit a crime or intend to do so is not enough to prove to the court that you should not be convicted. A kidnapping defense attorney in Tucson knows what evidence to use in your criminal defense case. They can utilize witness statements and other proof to make it clear to the court as to why the court should rule in your favor.
Advocating for You
The prosecutor wants you to be convicted and commits substantial time and resources to your case. Your lawyer remains on your side throughout your case proceedings. They stand up to the prosecution for you and present a compelling argument on your behalf.
Guiding You Through the Legal Process
The legal process can be unpredictable. If you make a mistake along the way, you risk a conviction. Your lawyer addresses your legal concerns and questions. They help you make informed decisions at each stage of this process.
Negotiating a Plea Deal for You
You could have the option of accepting a plea bargain. If you do, your prison sentence could be reduced since you are agreeing to a lesser crime than kidnapping. Your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of a plea deal. They can advise you on whether to accept a plea bargain, and you can decide if you should move forward with this agreement.
Who you hire as your legal representation is key. Trust a criminal defense attorney who has received many positive client reviews. This attorney offers exceptional legal service. As part of their efforts, they craft a legal defense that could help you achieve your desired case outcome.
How to Defend Against a Kidnapping Conviction
The prosecution will build a case to show the court that a conviction is warranted. A violent crimes attorney considers how the prosecutor will argue against you. They may consider many legal defenses, including:
No Intent to Kidnap
The prosecution must prove that you kidnapped someone for ransom, to cause harm, or to commit another crime to get a conviction. Your attorney could poke holes in the prosecutor’s argument. If the court has a reasonable doubt about whether a kidnapping was intentional, it can dismiss your charge.
You Had Consent
Someone tells you to take them to a different location but later claims you kidnapped them. Your lawyer could share emails or other written communications between you and your accuser or other evidence that proves you had consent.
Mistaken Identity
You could be charged with kidnapping in spite of the fact that you were not involved in this crime. With your lawyer’s help, you could show that the charge against you is part of a case of mistaken identity. If the court finds you had nothing to do with a crime, the prosecution may struggle to get the court to rule against you.
Entrapment
Police officers could induce you to commit a kidnapping and then charge you for the crime. This represents criminal entrapment.
Your attorney can question police officers about the activities leading up to your arrest. They could convince the court that you are the victim of entrapment and do not deserve to be punished.
Police Misconduct
The police could choose not to provide you with your Miranda warning or commit other acts of misconduct when they arrest you for kidnapping. Your lawyer can share information about police misconduct with the court. If police officers obtain evidence illegally, it may be suppressed, which can damage the prosecution’s case.
Your attorney attacks your criminal case from every possible angle. They search for ways to argue that you are innocent and that the prosecution’s case is invalid. If your lawyer succeeds, you could keep your freedom.
Trust a Tucson Kidnapping Defense Lawyer with a History of Excellence and Integrity
Suzuki Law Offices is an Arizona criminal defense law firm that prioritizes our clientele. We can share our legal knowledge and insights with you and assist you as you deal with the aftermath of a kidnapping charge. Schedule a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form