Aggravated Kidnapping
It is important to hire an experienced Fort Bend County 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 Fort Bend County who will fight for your rights,
freedom and future.
Attorney
for Aggravated Kidnapping Lawyer in Richmond, 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 Fort Bend 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.
Our Houston criminal lawyers defend clients charged with crimes in district courts and county criminal courts, including domestic violence (assault of a family member), drug possession or drug delivery, violent crimes, and juvenile delinquency.