Facing kidnapping in Florida charges can be a frightening and difficult situation to handle alone. South Florida criminal defense lawyers spend years dealing with these situations and can be your greatest ally in making sure you are fairly treated during conviction for kidnapping in Florida.
Nuances of Facing Kidnapping in Florida Charges
Determining the charges and penalties for kidnapping in Florida is not a cut-and-dried process. There are many factors that the judge and court must take into consideration when classifying the degree of the crime.
The evidence against you can be difficult to understand, but South Florida criminal defense lawyers can help your case. Conviction for kidnapping in Florida looks at several aspects of the events leading to your arrest.
General charges of kidnapping are assessed when you forcibly confine another person against their will with the intent to:
- hold them for ransom;
- use them as a hostage;
- commit a felony; or
- inflict bodily harm upon them.
As long as the kidnapping falls within those parameters, you will be facing charges of a felony of the 1st degree, which can result in jail time up to 30 years and fines up to $10,000.
The age of the victim is also a matter of consideration in determining the charges and penalties for kidnapping in Florida. If the victim is under the age of 13 and you are also found to have abused, sexually assaulted, or exploited the child the charges are increased to a life felony. This increases the maximum penalties to a potential life jail sentence and fines up to $15,000.
Answering to Charges and Facing Kidnapping in Florida
South Florida criminal defense lawyers are accustomed to dealing with charges of kidnapping in Florida. An experienced lawyer will have past case history to draw upon when determining the best defense strategy for your case.
By bringing your case to the attention of South Florida criminal defense lawyers you give yourself the best opportunity to make sure you are being treated fairly in your trial. In many cases your lawyer can help you avoid the maximum penalties and seek a reduced sentence by cooperating with the law.
It is in your best interest to talk with South Florida criminal defense lawyers first before answering any questions regarding your charges of kidnapping in Florida. Once you have established a relationship with your lawyer you can work together to make sure you are not subjected to unjust treatment.