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Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the criminal act of physically abducting a person against his will and without legal authority. While some instances of kidnapping may be committed for ransom, others may be done to:

  • "deprogram" an individual (i.e. convince a person to relinquish his free will) in an attempt to get him to join a cult or religious movement
  • escape some other felony
  • harm the kidnapped individual (or someone related to him)
  • interfere with government and/or political agendas

In some cases, kidnapping can be related to child custody disputes and/or incidences of domestic violence.

If you or someone you love faces kidnapping charges, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight aggressively to protect your legal rights. Please call us toll free at 1-800-887-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation.

Consequences of a Kidnapping Conviction

While anyone convicted of kidnapping will face a prison sentence, punishments for kidnapping will vary according to:

  • the length of time the kidnapped individual was held against his will
  • whether other crimes were committed along with the kidnapping
  • whether the kidnapping occurred over state lines, as kidnappings that cross state lines can bring on federal charges and heavier sentences

Kidnapping Statistics

Kidnappings for ransoms have dramatically decreased in the U.S. due to better-coordinated law enforcement agencies that tend to nab kidnappers when they attempt to exchange the victim for cash. Unfortunately, however, kidnappings for other reasons (such as child custody disputes or human trafficking offenses) are still prevalent in modern times.

The following statistics indicate the current incidence of kidnapping in the U.S.:

  • About 2,000 children under 18 years old are abducted and/or reported missing each day. This translates to over 800,000 missing children each year.
  • In stereotypical kidnapping cases, victims are killed about 40 percent of the time. Of these cases, about 74 percent of the victims are murdered within three hours of their abduction.
  • Most kidnappings occur within a quarter mile of the victim's home.

While a family member of the child is responsible for child abduction in about 82 percent of the cases, only about 7 percent of kidnappings are committed by a stranger.

Kidnapping Around the World

Tragically, kidnapping tends to be a more prevalent practice in poorer societies. In addition to parts of Africa, other places around the world that are notorious kidnapping hotspots include:

  • Afghanistan
  • Brazil
  • Chechnya
  • Colombia
  • Haiti
  • Iraq
  • Mexico
  • Philippines
  • Venezuela

Famous Kidnappings

Throughout the centuries, certain kidnappings around the world have captured international attention due to their brutally shocking nature. Some of the most famous kidnappings include the abductions of:

  • Adam Walsh, a 7-year old California resident who was abducted in 1981. Walsh, the son of America's Most Wanted John Walsh, was later found murdered.
  • Elizabeth Smart, a 21-year old Utah resident who was kidnapped in 2002. Smart was found nine months after her abduction in a small town near Salt Lake City.
  • Marion Parker, a 12-year old Los Angeles resident who was kidnapped and murdered in 1927. Parker's kidnapper, William Hickman, was the first person to be put to death for committing a kidnapping.
  • Polly Klaas, a 12-year old California resident who was kidnapped and strangled to death in 1993. Klaas' kidnapper, Richard Allen Davis, received the death penalty for his crimes in 1996.

Have you or a loved one been wrongfully imprisoned?

If you or someone you love has been charged with kidnapping, it is in your best interest to hire a qualified criminal law lawyer who will thoroughly evaluate your case and fight aggressively to get your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

Contact the experienced criminal lawyers at Imhoff & Associates for a FREE case evaluation today.