Newton Kidnapping Charge Defense Lawyers

Kidnapping Charge Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County NJ

Kidnapping Charges

Kidnapping takes many forms under New Jersey criminal law and can be charged for holding a person for ransom or as a hostage or shield, for facilitating a crime or flight thereafter, or to deprive a parent or guardian of custody of a child. And depending on whether or not the victim was released and unharmed, kidnapping is either a first or second degree crime that will result in enhanced prison sentences, including a possible life sentence, and parole ineligibility.

That being said, criminal charges for kidnapping in Sussex and Warren County should not be taken lightly and if you are facing kidnapping charges you should not hesitate to contact the experienced kidnapping defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm. Our criminal defense trial team is composed of former county prosecutors and experienced criminal defense lawyers who have both prosecuted and defended kidnapping cases in the past. Our lawyers represent individuals charged in Belvidere, Newton, Vernon, Hackettstown, and Phillipsburg and are available now to assist you at 973-755-1695.

Kidnapping Charges in NJ – NJSA 2C:13-1

Under the New Jersey Criminal Code, N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1 (a), a person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from the place where he is found or if he unlawfully confines another with the purpose of holding that person for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage. Additionally, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C: 13-1(b), a person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from his place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he is found, or if he unlawfully confines another for a substantial period, with any of the following purposes: 1) to facilitate commission of any crime or flight thereafter; 2) to inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another; 3) to interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or 4) to permanently deprive a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim.

Potential Penalties for Kidnapping Charges in NJ

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c) kidnapping is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof, a person may be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 and 30 years but, if the actor releases the victim unharmed and in a safe place prior to apprehension, kidnapping is a crime of the second degree. In other circumstances, kidnapping is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof, an actor shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment by the court, if the victim of the kidnapping is less than 16 years of age and if during the kidnapping the actor engaged in sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, endangering the welfare of the child victim, or delivering the victim to another for pecuniary gain. For such offenses, the term of imprisonment shall be either a term of 25 years during which the actor shall not be eligible for parole, or a specific term between 25 years and life imprisonment, of which the actor shall serve 25 years before being eligible for parole.

Because of the enhanced prison sentences for kidnapping, anyone charged with kidnapping in Sussex or Warren County should contact the criminal defense and kidnapping defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm now for immediate assistance at 973-755-1695.