Kidnapping Charges: What You Need To Know

It’s important for all people to be aware of how kidnapping charges are defined in Massachusetts. If you have already been accused, you must contact a lawyer as soon as possible to prepare yourself for the next steps. When you retain a criminal defense lawyer in MA, you know that you are in good hands because your lawyer will look for any opportunity to help you avoid jailtime if a situation was misunderstood or if you have been wrongly accused.

With so many things to consider, you should set aside time to talk to an experienced lawyer sooner rather than later. Kidnapping in MA can be pursued by the district attorney with any one of the three following theories:

• First of all, kidnapping charges may apply if you are accused of imprisoning someone against their will. The DA must show that the defendant lacked authority to hold someone, that the defendant forcibly imprisoned the person, and that the offense was committed against the wishes of the victim. Physical force is not required for these cases.
• The DA can show that anyone who sent or forcibly carries someone out of state in order to apply kidnapping charges. The DA must show that the defendant did not have the authority and that he or she forcibly carried or sent the person out of state.
• Any person who confines or seizes another individual may be accused of kidnapping. In order for these charges to apply, the DA has to show that the defendant didn’t have the authority to commit such an act, that the defendent forcibly seized or confined the victim, and that the purpose of these actions was to cause that person to be held against their will or confined without their will.

If you’ve been accused of kidnapping in MA already, your future is on the line. You should share your case details with a Springfield criminal defense lawyer immediately in order to begin establishing the key theories behind your defense.