Aggravated Kidnapping
Aggravated kidnapping is a serious felony offense in Houston. A conviction for aggravated kidnapping can result in severe punishment, including lengthy prison time and a large fine. Such a conviction can also adversely impact your professional career, personal life, and basic civil rights.
It is important to hire an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer because criminal charges for aggravated kidnapping do not have to result in a conviction and the resulting lifelong consequences. In order to convict you, the state prosecutor must prove to a jury that you committed every element of the felony offense beyond a reasonable doubt. With an experienced trial lawyer defending you, this can be a very difficult burden to meet, and any reasonable doubt in the mind of any of the members of the jury can result in a not guilty verdict or a hung jury. Therefore, it is vital to contact an experienced criminal attorney in Houston who will fight for your rights, freedom and future.
Attorney for Aggravated Kidnapping Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you or a loved one has been charged with aggravated kidnapping in Harris county (Houston), or any of the surrounding counties in Texas, including Montgomery (Conroe), or Fort Bend (Richmond), contact James G. Sullivan and Associates for a free consultation at (281) 546-6428. Attorney James (Jim) Sullivan will fight for your rights, freedom and future.
Texas Penal Code Sec. 20.03 defines kidnapping charges as intentionally or knowingly abducting another person. Texas Penal Code Sec. 20.01 defines “abduct” as to restrain a person with intent to prevent his liberation by secreting or holding him in a place where he is not likely to be found; or, by using or threatening to use deadly force.
A charge of aggravated kidnapping has enhanced punishment because it is considered a crime of violence.
What makes for an Aggravated Kidnapping under Texas Law?
According to Texas Penal Code Sec. 20.04, a person can be charged with aggravated kidnapping if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with the intent to:
- hold him for ransom or reward;
- use him as a shield or hostage;
- facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a felony;
- inflict bodily injury on him or violate or abuse him sexually;
- terrorize him or a third person; or
- interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.
In addition, the offender can be charged with aggravated kidnapping if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense.
Punishment for Aggravated Kidnapping in Texas
Aggravated kidnapping carries serious punishment. Aggravated kidnapping is charged as a felony of the first degree.
If convicted of an aggravated kidnapping, the possible punishment range is:
- incarceration in prison for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years, and a possible fine up to $10,000; or,
- if at the punishment stage of a trial the offender proves that he voluntarily released the victim in a safe place, the conviction for an aggravated kidnapping is reduced to a felony of the second degree. This charge can result in incarceration in prison for any term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and a possible fine up to $10,000.
Finding a Lawyer for Aggravated Kidnapping in Harris County, TX
Have you or a loved one been charged with kidnapping or related charges in the Greater Houston area? Call James G. Sullivan and Associates today for a free consultation.
Kidnapping is a serious crime that may result in an aggravated felony charge. The punishment for aggravated kidnapping relies heavily on intent, so a strong legal defense is necessary. It is vital that you do not speak with law enforcement before first speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney. It could be the difference between prison or exoneration.
If you are stressed out, overwhelmed and need guidance, call the lawyers at James G. Sullivan and Associates. We are dedicated to protecting your rights. We care about our clients and strive to get the best possible result.
We accept clients throughout the Greater Houston area, including Conroe in Montgomery County and Richmond in Fort Bend County.
Contact the attorneys at James G. Sullivan and Associates today at (281) 546-6428. Do not let this accusation consume and take over your life.
