For many, there is nothing scarier than the idea of being taken away by others and kept from your family. However, this is the reality for thousands across the country. As such, those convicted of kidnapping face intense penalties. If you have been accused of or charged with this crime in Oklahoma, it’s imperative to understand the severity of these charges and why it’s in your best interest to connect with an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer to explore your legal options. Additionally, the following blog explores this offense further to help you better understand what charges you are facing.
What Is Kidnapping?
In Oklahoma, kidnapping is defined as the unlawful seizing, confinement, or abduction of a person with the intent to confine, imprison, move across state lines, or sell that person into slavery. Though it’s called kidnapping, this crime does not only apply to children under 18 years old, but to any individual taken against their will or under false pretenses.
While most people associate kidnapping with strangers luring children away with promises of puppies and candy, this is not always the case. Though random abductions do occur, most commonly, kidnapping is committed by someone who has an established relationship with the victim.
In fact, some of the most common instances of kidnapping occur when one parent takes a child without the permission of the other parent. For example, if you lose custody of your child and take them out of state without the custodial parent’s consent, you can face a kidnapping charge, even if the child went with you willingly.
What Consequences Can Someone Face if Convicted?
If you are charged with kidnapping in Oklahoma, it’s critical to understand that this is a felony offense. As such, you will face up to 20 years in prison for this offense. However, if there are additional circumstances surrounding your case, like sexual abuse or exploitation, the penalties for this charge can increase and you could face up to life in prison for these crimes. As such, you will likely be placed under supervised release following your prison sentence.
Are There Any Potential Defenses?
Though it may seem hard, you may be able to defend a kidnapping charge, depending on your circumstances. Generally, you may be able to evade charges if you can prove that you had the consent of the individual, so long as they are over the age of 12, and that consent was not the result of threat or duress.
Fighting kidnapping charges can be incredibly complex. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you are placed under arrest. At the Jones Law Firm, we are here to help you through this complex process, from the minute you are placed under arrest until the jury reaches a verdict. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
