At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience. We will provide the aggressive and skilled defense you need to protect your rights and your future. Contact our law office for a free consultation with an Indianapolis kidnapping defense lawyer at (317) 759-2599.
If you are being accused of kidnapping in Indianapolis, IN? These allegations can turn your life upside down in an instant. Police and prosecutors may be pushing hard for a harsh sentence, and the complexities of Indiana law can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you never have to face this situation on your own.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Suhre & Associates to Help Me With My Kidnapping Charge in Indianapolis?
Facing a kidnapping accusation in Indianapolis, Indiana, is extremely serious. The prosecution will bring everything they have against you, and the consequences can last a lifetime.
At Suhre & Associates, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers bring:
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience
- A legal team that includes former police officers and prosecutors who know both sides of Indiana criminal cases
- Attorneys selected for honors like The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100 Trial Lawyers”
- Recognition by Super Lawyers and a perfect 10.0 rating on Avvo
If you’re facing kidnapping charges, you need to reach out to our Indianapolis felony lawyers right away. Give us a call today for a free consultation.
An Overview of Kidnapping Charges in Indiana
In Indiana, kidnapping charges cover a range of conduct, but all center around one primary idea — unlawfully removing or holding someone against their will. This doesn’t always require someone to be taken using force — it could involve fraud, trickery, force, or threats of force to achieve this.
Several common situations can lead to kidnapping allegations. One is abduction, where someone is taken away without their consent or any legitimate authority. Another is unlawful restraint, which simply means stopping someone from leaving a place, even if you aren’t trying to move them somewhere new.
There’s also custodial interference, which happens when a minor is taken or kept in violation of custody orders or by someone without legal parental rights.
What Are the Penalties for Kidnapping in Indiana?
The penalties for kidnapping charges depend on the specifics of the situation. You could be facing the following penalties:
Level 6 Felony
Basic kidnapping, where there are no additional accusations or aggravating factors, is a Level 6 felony in Indiana. The sentence can be up to 2.5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Level 5 Felony
If certain aggravating factors are involved, the charge becomes a Level 5 felony. This can happen if the victim is younger than 14 and is not the accused’s own child, if a vehicle was used in the act, or if the alleged victim suffered bodily injury. Sentences range from one to six years, along with fines up to $10,000.
Level 3 Felony
For more severe situations — like using a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or carrying out the act on an aircraft — kidnapping is charged as a Level 3 felony. Prison time for a Level 3 felony can be from three to 16 years, and fines may reach $10,000.
Level 2 Felony
Kidnapping rises to a Level 2 felony in the most serious cases. Examples include demanding ransom, hijacking a vehicle during the offense, helping someone escape or avoid lawful custody, or using the victim as a shield or hostage. If convicted at this level, sentences range from ten to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
The details in every case, like the age of the victim, if weapons or injuries were involved, and intent, make a big difference in the penalties you’re facing. This is why having a knowledgeable defense lawyer is essential.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Kidnapping?
A kidnapping accusation can come from confusing events or misunderstandings. The law requires both evidence and clear intention, so there are multiple arguments a criminal defense attorney may raise:
- No intent: Sometimes what the state calls kidnapping may have been accidental or misunderstood — there was never any kind of plan or desire to restrain or remove anyone by force or threat.
- False accusation: Relationship disputes or personal grudges can lead to false claims. Witnesses may not be credible, or there could be an ulterior motive behind the accusation.
- Lawful authority: A parent or guardian following custody orders, or acting within legal rights under court agreements, could be protected from these charges.
- Mistaken identity: Police or victims may simply have the wrong person. Unreliable witness identification, use of alibis, or a lack of connection to the situation can all show someone’s innocence.
Building a strong kidnapping defense strategy takes experience and careful attention to all the facts.
Accusations do not always tell the whole story. Our job is to make sure your side is heard and that you are treated fairly throughout this stressful process. Whether the accusations involve a misunderstanding, false identification, or strained family dynamics, we are prepared to examine every piece of evidence thoroughly. Don’t let a serious charge define your future or prevent you from moving on with your life.
Call Suhre & Associates to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis kidnapping defense lawyer.
