Fort Myers Kidnapping Defense Lawyer
Who Can Be Arrested for Kidnapping in Florida?
When people hear the word “kidnapping,” particular images come to mind. Many of us may think of people snatched into the back of vans by strangers, or ransom notes left for family members to discover. The truth is less sensational.
A large portion of kidnappings involve one parent obtaining custody of a child or multiple children without the knowledge or consent of the other parent. Many other kidnappings involve domestic disturbances. The majority of kidnapping cases are between family members or people who know one another. That means you could find yourself faced with kidnapping charges more easily than you might think. Kidnapping is considered a serious crime and violent felony, and both state and federal kidnapping charges carry severe penalties.
If you or a loved one has been charged with kidnapping in Fort Myers, you must contact an experienced defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances, you could be facing decades—or even the rest of your life—in prison.
What is Kidnapping in Florida?
Under Florida law, a kidnapping occurs anytime one person confines, abducts, or imprisons another person secretly or by threat. This can happen more easily than you might think. Many actions that people might not otherwise think about technically constitute kidnapping.
For instance, if two parents are divorced and one of them is supposed to pick their child up from school, but the other parent picks them up without the other parent’s knowledge, it can be considered a kidnapping. Many parents unexpectedly find themselves facing federal kidnapping charges following a divorce or separation.
Returning to another above example, if a couple is having an argument at home and one of them decides to take one or more children and leave without telling the other parent where they are going, it can be considered a kidnapping.
Kidnapping can also occur under more familiar circumstances, such as being taken at gunpoint during another crime. Coercing or tricking someone into human trafficking is also a form of kidnapping. However, kidnappings rarely occur between strangers and usually involve a family member or someone close to the victim.
What are the Penalties for Kidnapping?
Florida takes kidnapping very seriously. In addition to wanting to retain its “tough on crime” image, many kidnappings involve women and minors. Most states wish to appear especially strict when it comes to crimes involving children, and so they institute harsh penalties for those convicted of them.
In Florida, kidnapping is considered a first-degree felony, punishable by life in prison and a $10,000 fine. Depending on the circumstances of the case, someone convicted of kidnapping might have to serve a mandatory minimum sentence before they are eligible for parole. Particular circumstances which might result in “enhanced penalties” include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Kidnapping Involving a Child Under 13
- Kidnapping Involving Sexual Abuse
- Kidnapping Involving Child Abuse
- Kidnapping for Ransom
The use of a firearm during a kidnapping can also result in enhanced penalties. Additionally, based on certain factors, a kidnapping can involve federal charges. This means you may be charged at both the state and federal levels and potentially face multiple trials. When someone is charged at both levels, it often ends in a lengthy prison sentence. Sentences in federal prisons can be long and are frequently for life. That’s why a passionate kidnapping defense attorney is vital for anyone who’s been charged.
What are Some Defenses to Kidnapping Charges in Florida?
Just because someone has been charged with a crime does not mean they are guilty. A prosecutor must prove to a court beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed kidnapping. Multiple different defense strategies are available.
Lack of intent is a potential defense. Under Florida law, kidnapping is an intentional act. This means the court must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to take or keep someone somewhere against their will.
Another potential defense is establishing a lack of force or intimidation. If the alleged victim could have removed themselves from their circumstances at any point under their own power, an attorney can demonstrate that no actual kidnapping took place.
Consent is a common defense. Especially in cases involving domestic disturbances or familial kidnappings, someone might willingly go or stay somewhere at the time but later feel pressured by friends and family to claim they were pressured or coerced. If a defense attorney can demonstrate that you had the alleged victim’s consent to keep or transport them somewhere, it can be an effective defense strategy.
These are only a few potential defenses to kidnapping. We consider every case unique and don’t believe in a standard defense or “one size fits all” approach. That’s why, if you or a loved one has been charged with kidnapping, contact our fierce defense attorney.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested for Kidnapping?
It’s easier to end up facing kidnapping charges than the average person thinks. Before you know it, you could be facing decades—or even the rest of your life—in prison. Don’t take chances. If you or a loved one has been accused of kidnapping, contact Sherman Defense Firm, P.A.
Melissa Sherman knows from her extensive experience in the courtroom that average people find themselves prosecuted for kidnapping every day and have no idea how to respond. She’ll review the particulars of your case and craft a custom defense strategy best suited to you, utilizing her courtroom-tested Sherman Technique.
Kidnapping charges can happen to anyone. Don’t let it mean the end of your life as you know it. If you or a loved one has been arrested for kidnapping, immediately contact 239-539-6818 to schedule a consultation.