Kidnapping
Trenton NJ Kidnapping Defense Lawyers
When a person is taken or confined to a location against their will, a kidnapping charge is likely to follow. This charge is unquestionably one of the most serious crimes a person can face in Mercer County. Kidnapping is a first degree crime in most instances that results in severe penalties so it is pivotal that you hire a skilled defense attorney if you have been charged with this offense. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have over a century of experience defending criminal charges at the county courthouse in Trenton. Our team of skilled attorneys, including former prosecutors, will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you are facing a kidnapping charge at the Mercer County Superior Court located in Trenton, a lawyer on our defense staff can help you. Contact our office now at 609–683–8102 for an immediate free consultation.
Kidnapping Charge in Mercer County New Jersey
The New Jersey criminal code sets for two types of kidnapping under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1. The headings that follow outline each form of kidnapping and the elements that must be established by reasonable doubt to convict someone of this offense.
I. The first type of kidnapping is set forth at 2C:13-1(a) and occurs when the someone removes a victim from their location or confines them to a location for the purpose of receiving a ransom, reward, or as a shield or hostage. The state must prove that the defendant: (1) removed the victim or confined the victim; (2) unlawfully; and (3) it was for the purpose of ransom, reward, or as a shield or hostage.
II. The second type of kidnapping arises under 2C:13-1(b) when the actor removes or confines a person to a location unlawfully for the purpose of facilitating the commission of a crime, to inflict bodily injury or to terrorize the victim, interfere with the performance of a government or political function, or to permanently deprive a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim. To convict someone of kidnapping under this law, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office must prove that the accused: (1) removed or confined the victim; (2) unlawfully; and (3) to facilitate the commission of a crime, inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim, interfere with the performance of any government or political function, for to deprive a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim.
Penalties for Kidnapping: Kidnapping is a first degree crime but can be reduced to a second degree crime if the victim is released unharmed, in a safe place, and prior to apprehension. A conviction for first degree kidnapping can result in 15-30 years in prison while kidnapping in the second degree is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. A person can be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison if the victim is under 16 years old and is sexually assaulted, or sold for monetary gain.
Princeton NJ Kidnapping Attorney
A kidnapping charge requires immediate attention. Hiring a qualified lawyer as soon as possible is the best decision a person who has been charged with kidnapping can make. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have handled a tremendous amount of kidnapping cases and have provided favorable outcomes to countless clients. If you have been charged with kidnapping in Princeton, Lawrence, Pennington, Hightstown or another municipality in Mercer County, the lawyers at our firmare here to assist you. To find out how a lawyer can assist you, call (609) 683-8102 for a free consultation.