Kidnapping is a serious offense. If you’ve been accused of kidnapping in Dayton, OH, you need a serious and competent criminal defense team on your side. For help, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today at (937) 531-0435 .
Even if you don’t cause serious injury, you can face significant jail time and hefty fines if you are charged with kidnapping. Our passionate team brings critical insider knowledge and legal expertise to the table. We’ll fight for you, as well as your future.
We offer a free consultation with a Dayton kidnapping defense lawyer, so don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers To Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Kidnapping in Dayton?
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we have experience defending Dayton, Ohio, clients in a wide range of criminal cases, including kidnapping. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team includes former police officers and prosecutors, so we understand exactly how the other side operates.
We’ve been recognized by prestigious organizations and received accolades such as:
- Inclusion in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- Recognition by Super Lawyers
- A 10.0 Avvo rating
Our team is well-versed in the Dayton legal system as well as Ohio criminal laws. You can trust that we’ll use the latest technology and effective courtroom tactics to aggressively defend you from kidnapping accusations.
When you choose our firm, you’re not just getting a legal team — you’re gaining access to a network of experienced professionals, compassionate support, and extensive legal resources. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a Dayton criminal defense attorney.
Ohio’s Kidnapping Laws
Ohio’s kidnapping laws are divided into two sections. The differences between the two primarily involve intent and risk of harm. However, both can result in serious kidnapping charges.
Kidnapping With Specific Intent
Under Ohio’s kidnapping laws, it is illegal to remove someone from where they are or restrain their freedom for any of the following purposes:
- To hold for ransom, or as a shield or hostage
- To facilitate the commission of any felony or flight thereafter
- To terrorize, or to inflict serious physical harm on the victim or another
- To engage in sexual activity with the victim against their will
- To hinder, impede, or obstruct a function of government, or to force any action or concession on the part of governmental authority
- To hold in a condition of involuntary servitude
If you take or restrain someone for one of the above purposes, it is a serious offense.
Kidnapping With Risk of Substantial Harm (Specific Intent Not Necessary)
You can also be charged with kidnapping in Ohio if you remove someone from where they are or restrain their freedom in a way that causes or risks substantial harm to the victim. If the “substantial harm” element is met, the prosecution won’t need to prove your intent.
Related Charges
Ohio has several laws similar in nature to kidnapping. They include:
- Abduction: Abduction involves knowingly removing someone from where they are by threat of force, restraining them and creating a risk of physical harm, or holding someone in a position of involuntary servitude.
- Unlawful restraint: Ohio’s unlawful restraint makes restraining another’s liberty without privilege to do so illegal.
- Human trafficking: Recruiting, luring, enticing, isolating, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, or maintaining, or knowingly attempting to do so, to another person is illegal under certain circumstances.
If you’ve been charged with kidnapping or any similar offenses, we can help.
What Are the Penalties for Kidnapping in Dayton, Ohio?
Violating Ohio’s kidnapping statute is typically a first-degree felony. Felony sentencing guidelines in Ohio are complicated and can differ based on many factors. Generally, you could face:
- Prison time: You will typically face anywhere from a few years to more than a decade or even life in prison if you are charged with a first-degree felony for kidnapping. Sentences can vary widely based on circumstances and the judge’s discretion.
- Fines: For a first-degree felony, you could be charged up to $25,000 in fines.
You might also face collateral consequences such as difficulty finding a job, difficulty finding housing, immigration issues, firearms restrictions, and more.
Speaking with an experienced lawyer can give you a better idea of what penalties you might be facing.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Kidnapping?
If you’ve been accused of kidnapping, an experienced lawyer can discuss your case and what defenses might apply. Possible defenses include:
- The victim consented to go with you
- You reasonably believed the victim consented
- You did not remove the victim enough to support kidnapping charges
- Mistaken identity
- False allegations
- Lack of evidence
Your attorney will be able to evaluate your case and explain your legal options if you’ve been charged with kidnapping.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Kidnapping
Having an attorney on your side can make a huge difference in how your case turns out. We’ll help you by:
- Investigating your case
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Identify any possible defenses
- Keep you updated and informed throughout the legal process
- Fight to get your charges dropped or reduced
We’ll stand by your side, fighting to protect your future.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Kidnapping Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of kidnapping in Dayton, Ohio, you need experienced legal help; contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers as soon as possible. We’ll listen to your story, come up with possible defenses, and fight to protect your rights and future.
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience defending clients just like you. We’ve been recognized by prestigious organizations and received numerous accolades. If you need help, reach out today. We offer a free consultation with a Dayton kidnapping defense lawyer.
