In New Jersey, kidnapping is one of the most serious crimes for which you, or a loved one, may be charged. Kidnapping is the crime of taking a person from one place to another against their will. Sometimes it is done to extort ransom from the family of the person kidnapped. It may be done for the purpose of committing an additional crime, for example a sexual assault, or may involve a dispute over the custody of a child, or unlawfully confine another person for the purpose of using them as a shield or hostage.
Under New Jersey, a person is guilty of kidnapping when they remove another person from his or her home or their business, or a substantial distance from the location where they were found, or if they unlawfully confine another for a substantial period of time for any of the following purposes:
- To facilitate the commission of another crime.
- To terrorize the victim or inflict bodily injury.
- To interfere with the activities of any government or political entity.
- To permanently deprive a parent, a guardian, or another lawful custodian of custody of a child.
Our attorneys can protect you from a wrongful kidnapping conviction in New Jersey, and will fight to ensure your freedom.
Penalties for Kidnapping
Under New Jersey law, kidnapping is regarded as a felony in the first degree in most instances, though it may be a second degree crime if the kidnapped party is released and unharmed before the accused kidnapper is arrested. If the person being held is transported across state lines, the matter may instead be subject to federal kidnapping laws.
The following are some of the possible penalties in New Jersey:
- 15 to 30 years’ incarceration when the alleged victim is 16 or over (first degree)
- 5 to 10 years’ incarceration when the alleged victim is 16 or over (second degree)
- 25 years to life, with or without the possibility of parole after 25 years, in instances when there are aggravating factors such as the commission of another crime, or when the alleged victim is under 16 years of age.
The law offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo is experienced and committed to successfully defending individuals accused of kidnapping. Call the Law Offices of Carlos Diaz-Cobo at 732-249-1125.