Defense Attorneys for Kidnapping Charges in St. George, Utah

At Douglas D. Terry & Associates, we understand that kidnapping charges, although relatively uncommon, are incredibly serious for the accused. Devastating criminal penalties may result from a kidnapping conviction in Utah, even if those allegedly involved are parent and child or husband and wife.

If you or a loved one has been charged with kidnapping, you need representation from a skilled and aggressive defense attorney with the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively handle felony cases. The charges against you are severe. Don't wait to seek legal representation until it is too late.

Call Douglas D. Terry & Associates immediately at (435) 628-4411 for a free and confidential legal consultation. Please exercise your right to remain silent until speaking with one of our attorneys.

Kidnapping Charges in Utah

In the state of Utah, kidnapping is considered a severe crime with penalties that could change your life forever. It can be committed by a parent, guardian, or stranger and typically involves harm to the victim, resulting in additional charges.

According to Utah Code §76-5-301, kidnapping is defined as:

1. The illegal and intentional or knowing detaining or restraint of a victim for any period of time against his or her will;
2. Detaining or restraint of a victim in circumstances exposing the victim to risk of bodily injury;
3. Holding of a victim in involuntary servitude;
4. Detaining or restraint of a minor, between the ages of 14 and 18, without his parent or legal guardian's consent; or
5. Movement of a victim any substantial distance across a state line.

Is Kidnapping a Federal Crime?

Kidnapping is a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum of 15 years imprisonment and up to $5,000 in fines.

Aggravated kidnapping charges in Utah are even more severe. According to Utah Code §76-5-302, kidnapping is enhanced to an aggravated kidnapping charge when an individual:

1. During a kidnapping, possesses, uses, or threatens to use a dangerous weapon; or when he or she intends to:
2. Hold a victim for ransom or as a hostage;
3. Facilitate or attempt the commission, or flight after commission or attempted commission of a felony;
4. Hinder or delay discovery of or reporting a felony;
5. Inflict bodily injury or terrorize the victim or another;
6. Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or
7. Commits a sexual offense in §76-5-4.

This offense is increased to a first-degree felony punishable by 15 years to life imprisonment and $10,000 in fines.

Regardless of the reasons or intent, kidnapping charges carry a stigma that is nearly impossible to erase, and aside from harsh fines and time spent behind bars, a conviction could even affect your ability to obtain a home loan or approval for an apartment.

If you or someone you know has been charged with kidnapping, you need a dedicated attorney with a history of aggressive defense strategy working on your behalf.

Utah's Sex Offender and Kidnap Offender Notification and Registration

Kidnapping charges also carry a heavy social stigma that is difficult to remove. Whether the act is committed by a close family member with no further felonious activities, or aggravated kidnapping, this offense requires registration on Utah's Sex Offender and Kidnap Offender Notification and Registration Website, except in the case that the actor is a natural parent.

Information on the kidnap offender registry is publicly available to anyone accessing the site, which may feel highly invasive to those listed.

Consequences for Kidnapping Charges

If you are convicted of committing a felony – especially kidnapping charges that involve acting against another person's will – your future could be changed forever.

Kidnapping charges frequently result in extremely long prison sentences, financially devastating fines and restitution, and an assortment of other harsh penalties and deprivations. For example, you could lose your right to carry a firearm for life.

Many former felons find they are met with enormous challenges — even months or years after the court-ordered penalties have ended.

Employers often hesitate to hire people with felony records, and your history may even prevent you from being allowed to live in certain communities. A criminal conviction can take away your most basic freedoms, place you under heavy financial strain, and destroy your personal and professional relationships. If you are facing kidnapping charges, you need to act fast before it's too late.

Contact Us to Speak with a Southern Utah Kidnapping Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with kidnapping in Southern Utah or believe that you are under investigation, it is not in your best interests to face prosecutors or police officers on your own. To avoid kidnapping jail time, get immediate legal help from a trusted, knowledgeable, and aggressive kidnapping lawyer in Southern Utah today. For a free and confidential legal consultation, call Douglas D. Terry & Associates at (435) 628-4411.