Howard County Kidnapping Lawyer

Many people are surprised to learn that the term kidnapping applies to adults as well as children. Kidnapping refers simply to the carrying or concealment of a person by force or fraud. Howard County has a separate law pertaining to the kidnapping of a child, which contains a similar sentencing structure. Kidnapping in Howard County does not apply to a parent who carries their own minor child outside of the state.

Conviction of kidnapping or child kidnapping could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment. If you are charged with kidnapping, speak to a Howard County kidnapping lawyer immediately. A kidnapping conviction could result in a long prison sentence and a seasoned criminal defense attorney could fight a kidnapping charge in a number of ways in an effort to achieve the best result possible.

Defining Kidnapping

Title 3, Subtitle 5, Section 3-501 of the Maryland Criminal law Code says that it is a felony to, by force or fraud, carry or cause a person to be carried in or outside the state with the intent to have the person carried or concealed in or outside the state. In this case, to carry means to seize or take away. When a kidnapping crime has resulted in the carrying of someone outside the state, then it could result in felony charges.

A Howard County kidnapping attorney could challenge a kidnapping charge by attempting to prove that the other person consented to be taken somewhere or that no fraud was committed to convincing that person to allow themselves to be taken. For a fraud to have been committed, there must have been a lie about or misrepresentation of a material fact. If the element of either force or fraud is not met, then it is not possible to convict a person of kidnapping.

Child Kidnapping Laws

Howard County child kidnapping law carries a similar sentence but is designed specifically to protect children. It adds certain language in order to address the particular vulnerabilities of young children.

Section 3-503 makes it a felony to, without the right, forcibly abduct, take, or carry away a child less than 12 years old from the child’s home or their parent’s custody. This child kidnapping statute also makes it a felony to entice or persuade a child under 12 away from their home or parent’s custody. Furthermore, it is a felony under Section 3-503 to carry or conceal a child under twelve with intent to deprive the child’s parent or guardian of the custody, care, or control of the child.

Consult with a Howard County Kidnapping Attorney Today

Kidnapping is a very serious crime that, if convicted, could carry up to 30 years in prison. Facing a charge with this level of gravity can be intimidating and leave one unsure of what to do or where to turn.

If you are charged with any form of kidnapping in Howard County, you do not have to face this charge alone. Talk to a Howard County kidnapping lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney could work tirelessly to reduce your sentence or fight the charge outright seeking a dismissal. Call today to schedule a consultation with a legal professional.