Understanding Charges of Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the act of taking a person away against their will by use of force or threat and holding them without the legal authority to do so. Kidnapping can be done in order to seek a ransom, to gain illegal custody of a child or to further another crime. Kidnapping was originally referred to "kid nabbing" which pertained to a child, in today's terms kidnapping is used to refer to taking any person against their will, whether it be a man, woman or child.

Kidnapping is a Serious Crime

Kidnapping law considers kidnapping to be done with the intentions of: holding a victim for ransom or other condition of release, holding the victim hostage, to disrupt political functions, aid in the commission of another criminal act or to inflict injury on the victim. Kidnapping is a felony offense in all 50 states and is taken very seriously.

Parental Kidnapping

There is another type of kidnapping and it is referred to as parental kidnapping in which case a kidnapping is perpetuated by a family member who does not have legal custody of the minor. Even if the minor gives their consent, the non-custodial parent can still be charged with kidnapping. Often times victims of domestic violence flee with their children in a protective effort to defend their children from harm. The degree of charges brought against a domestic violence victim varies in each state and if you have been charged with kidnapping under such conditions, then it is extremely important that you seek representation from a Houston kidnapping attorney.

At The Martinez Law Firm, we are very well versed in Texas kidnapping laws. We understand that in certain cases, there is sensitivity involved and sometimes the future of a child at stake. Because of the severity of penalties in a kidnapping case, we will fully investigate your charge and we will take every action possible in order to increase the chances of a better outcome for your case.

Contact a Houston Kidnapping Lawyer at The Martinez Law Firm today for a free consultation and in depth look at your case.