Have you or a loved one been accused of kidnapping in Lexington, KY? These charges can bring harsh penalties and put a defendant’s future at risk. You don’t have to face this situation on your own. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers has helped clients fight serious criminal allegations.
Our team knows the law, your rights, and what it takes to build a strong defense. For help with your charges, contact us at (859) 569-4014 to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington kidnapping defense lawyer.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates if You’re Arrested For Kidnapping?
Trying to take on kidnapping charges in Lexington, Kentucky, is overwhelming, and a lot is on the line. When your reputation, freedom, and future are at stake, you need a defense team that has handled serious cases before and knows how to navigate the criminal courts in Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s what sets our Lexington kidnapping defense attorneys apart:
- We have over a century of combined criminal defense experience in the Lexington area.
- Our firm has been defending clients in Kentucky for over 15 years, giving us local insight and established relationships within the justice system.
- Every case is handled with personal attention, teamwork, and respect for your rights.
When you work with Suhre & Associates, you don’t just get one Lexington criminal defense attorney – you get the power and resources of our whole team. You don’t have to face these charges alone. Let us help you if you’re dealing with this situation in Lexington, Kentucky.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Kidnapping in Kentucky
Kidnapping means unlawfully restraining someone with a particular intent, like demanding a ransom, committing another felony, causing bodily injury, or threatening or terrorizing the victim. This is a very serious charge with severe penalties.
Kidnapping isn’t the only serious offense involving the unlawful restraint of another person in Kentucky. There are several related charges that can arise from similar situations, such as unlawful imprisonment or custodial interference.
What Are the Penalties for Kidnapping in Lexington, Kentucky?
Kidnapping in Kentucky is treated as a very serious crime, and the punishment depends on what happened to the victim during the incident. Here’s an overview of the possible consequences:
- Class B Felony: If the victim is released alive and in a safe place, the penalty is 10 to 20 years in prison.
- Class A Felony: If the victim suffers serious physical injury during the kidnapping, it’s a Class A felony, and the penalty is 20 to 50 years in prison or a possible life sentence.
- Capital Offense: If the victim dies as a result of the kidnapping or is intentionally killed and not released alive, the punishment can be death, life in prison, or life without the possibility of parole.
The stakes in these cases are extremely high, and having the right defense can make a major difference in the outcome.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Kidnapping?
If you’ve been charged with kidnapping in Lexington, there are several defenses your attorney may be able to use based on the facts of your case.
Consent of the Alleged Victim
If the alleged victim willingly went with you or agreed to be present, this fact can be used to challenge the claim that force or threats were used. Voluntary actions by the other person can make it difficult for the prosecution to prove that a crime occurred, especially if there is evidence like text messages, witness statements, or video footage showing consent.
Lack of Criminal Intent
In some cases, it may be shown that you did not intend to unlawfully restrain or move the person, which is a required element of kidnapping. For example, if the situation was part of a misunderstanding or there was no plan to interfere with the victim’s freedom, your lawyer can argue that there was no criminal purpose behind your actions.
Mistaken Identity
People are sometimes misidentified as suspects. Providing an alibi or evidence that proves you were somewhere else at the time the crime occurred can strengthen this defense. Security camera footage, phone records, or credible witnesses can play a critical role in demonstrating that you were not present at the scene.
False Accusations
Kidnapping allegations can stem from misunderstandings, custody disputes, or false statements. This defense looks into motives for unfounded claims and a lack of credible evidence. By carefully investigating the relationship between the parties involved and the circumstances of the accusation, your attorney can expose any inconsistencies or ulterior motives behind the allegations.
Every case is different, and building a strong defense requires careful examination of what happened in your situation.
If you’re facing kidnapping charges in Lexington, time is of the essence. Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be overwhelming, but the support of an experienced legal team can make all the difference. You deserve a defense team that not only understands the intricacies of kidnapping laws but also recognizes what’s truly at stake – your freedom, future, and peace of mind.
Contact Suhre & Associates to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington kidnapping defense lawyer.
