Kidnapping Defense Lawyer in Houston
Kidnapping is generally defined as the action of taking a person against his or her will (or in the case of a child, away from his or her custodial parent or guardian) to another location. In some cases the victim will have been forced, threatened or intimidated into the kidnapping and then held by force or violence. In some cases, like those involving children, the child could have been coerced or lured into leaving their legal custodial parent(s) or guardian(s).
It is important to note that the court considers kidnapping a member of your own family or your own child as the same offense as kidnapping a stranger. If you violate a court order in kidnapping your own child, you will have serious consequences to face. Most kidnapping cases involve children or family members and our lawyers at Madrid, Martinez & Associates are very familiar with these types of cases. We understand that there might be very good reasons that you acted in the manner that you did. We will work hard to ensure that your rights and those of your children are protected as you go through your case.
Types of kidnapping charges in Texas:
- Unlawful restraint – you can be charged with this if you intentionally/knowingly restrain another person. This type of offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, dependent upon the severity of the circumstances.
- Kidnapping – if you intentionally/knowingly abduct someone else, you can be charged with kidnapping. This can be charged as a third degree felony.
- Aggravated kidnapping – if you intentionally/knowingly abduct another person with the intent to exchange that person for ransom, use that person as a hostage, inflict bodily injury or harm on or do various other unlawful things to that person. This can be charged as a first or second degree felony, depending upon the circumstances of the situation.
- Unlawful transport – if you transport an individual in exchange for monetary benefit in a way that is meant to conceal that person from authorities and you create a situation in which it is likely that the victim will suffer serious injury or death, you can be charged with unlawful transport. This is charged as a state jail felony.
Contact a Houston Kidnapping Lawyer at Madrid, Martinez & Associates to discuss your criminal charges in Texas.