Kidnapping is an aggravated form of false imprisonment.

It usually involves the transportation or concealment of the person. Aggravated kidnapping can include:

• The kidnapping of a child
• Kidnapping for ransom
• Kidnapping for the purpose of committing another crime (such as forcing the kidnapped person to commit robbery)
• Kidnapping for the purpose of committing a sexual crime
• Kidnapping with the intent of harming the person.

A parent can be prosecuted for kidnapping his or her own child or otherwise interfering with the custody or visitation rights of the other parent.
It doesn’t matter which parent has legal custody. If a parent conceals his or her child with the intent of depriving the other parent of custody or visitation rights, he or she can be prosecuted for a crime.

Kidnapping is a commonly misunderstood crime. It need not be done by a stranger to the child. Parents who are not obeying custody and visitation arrangements can also be arrested for kidnapping. If you or a love one is charged with kidnapping, protect your legal rights.

A person who is convicted of a crime in general faces societal stigmas and potentially irreparable damage to his or her reputation. It is almost always unwise to represent yourself. Retain the services of a seasoned and experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Tom R. Medrano for your no-cost consultation.