Kidnapping
Understanding Kidnapping
Under the law, kidnapping is a serious charge, and requires a thorough defense. It is a “strike” and can bring a maximum penalty of life in prison. If you have been charged with kidnapping, you need an experienced Washington Kidnapping Defense Attorney on your side. Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer can provide that experience and the aggressive defense that you deserve.
Attorney for Kidnapping in the First Degree
First Degree Kidnapping can be committed in various ways under Washington law, and is defined as an intentional abduction with the intent to 1) hold a person for ransom or as a hostage, 2) to facilitate the commission of any felony, 3) to inflict bodily injury or emotional distress, or 4) to interfere with any government function. This offense is a Class A Felony with a possible sentence of up to life in a state prison and a $50,000 fine. The standard range of sentences for this offense is 51 to 68 months prison time for an individual with no criminal history.
AttornEy for Kidnapping in the Second Degree
Second Degree Kidnapping is charged when a kidnapping is alleged but the defendant did not hold the victim for ransom and did not inflict injury. This offense is a Class B Felony with a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The standard range punishment for this offense is 6 to 12 months in the county jail for a person with no felony criminal history. However, this offense is considered a “strike” for purposes of the “three – strikes laws”.
Washington Kidnapping Defense Attorney for Unlawful Imprisonment Charge
Under Washington law, Unlawful Imprisonment is the offense of restraining someone against their will. This offense is a Class C Felony with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a fine of $10,000 dollars. The standard range sentence for a person with no felony priors is 1 to 3 months in county jail.
Lawyer for Custodial Interference
Custodial Interference is charged when a parent or relative takes a child away from the person with lawful custody. The laws on this subject are quite complex, and there are additional legal requirements that the defendant have acted with intent to hold the child for a substantial period of time, that he exposed the child to risks, or that he removed the child from the state. Additional factors apply depending on what court orders were in effect on the subject of custody and visitation. Custodial Interference in the First Degree is a Class C Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 dollar fine. Custodial Interference is the Second Degree is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor.
An Aggressive Washington Kidnapping Defense Attorney is Needed
With such cases as discussed above, prosecuting attorneys have a habit of “overcharging” or filing complaints on the most serious form of Kidnapping or Custodial Interference possible. A skilled defense lawyer is needed to properly defend against such allegations. When you meet with attorney Erin Bradley McAleer for a free consultation, he will look at the specific charges brought and can properly advise you as to how he can best provide an effective defense. Because of his training and experience, attorney Erin Bradley McAleer can defend people in an innovative and thorough manner. These serious allegations call for a defense attorney that is aggressive and dedicated to your defense. Avoiding convictions is always the goal that Erin Bradley McAleer has for his clients.
FREE CONSULTATION:
The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will fight to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome in your court case. Call attorney Erin Bradley McAleer today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Washington Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer represents clients throughout Southwest Washington State, including in Clark County, Cowlitz County, and Skamania County and Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Washougal, Woodland, Yacolt, Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, North Bonneville, and Stevenson. Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer focuses on the areas of Criminal Defense, Traffic Infractions, Landlord Tenant, Personal Injury, Firearm Rights Restoration, and Post-Conviction Relief (Vacating & Sealing Criminal Records).