Have you been accused of aggravated kidnapping in Texas?
In Texas, aggravated kidnapping charges are some of the most severe, carrying long-term penalties and significant consequences. If you have been charged with this, or you are being questioned about it, it is critical to reach out to an experienced aggravated kidnapping defense attorney for immediate help. We are here to help you at the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak.
Don’t wait to call. Our attorney that handles aggravated kidnapping defense cases in Houston offers 24/7 help.
What is Aggravated Kidnapping?
Aggravated kidnapping charges are assigned when there is evidence that a person intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with any intention. This could include holding the person against their will as a hostage or for ransom. It may also include inflicting bodily injury, abusing the person, sexual assault, or terrorizing the person. Under the law, this is made worse in situations where the act allows for another felony to occur or when a person is used to help a criminal escape.
More so, aggravated kidnapping charges also apply in situations where a person abducts anyone else with some goal of interfering with government function at any level.
The term abduct is defined as taking a person to some place where they are not likely to be found or by use or threat of deadly force. It applies to any situation in which a person tries to prevent the other person from getting away.
Texas Laws Regarding Aggravated Kidnapping
Texas law outlines this particular offense in Penal Code Section §20.04 as follows:
(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with the intent to:
(1) hold him for ransom or reward;
(2) use him as a shield or hostage;
(3) facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a felony;
(4) inflict bodily injury on him or violate or abuse him sexually;
(5) terrorize him or a third person; or
(6) interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly abducts another person and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense.
Keep in mind that this law falls under the Offenses Against the Person component of the Texas Penal Code under Title 5.
The police may charge you with this if they believe you have performed any of the previously mentioned actions against another person in the state. If this is happening to you, seek out a skilled aggravated kidnapping defense attorney for immediate help. Our law office can help you.
What are the penalties for Aggravated Kidnapping?
Aggravated kidnapping is a serious charge that carries significant fines and other punishments. The circumstances of the individual case are always taken into consideration to determine the punishment.
A conviction for aggravated kidnapping in Texas is a first degree felony. This means that the Court is likely to seek out the maximum punishment possible. Under Texas law, that is a fine of up to $10,000 as well as life in prison. It is very difficult to prove that you are not a flight risk nor that you are not likely to commit such a crime again, which makes obtaining bail difficult in many situations.
In some situations, this may be reduced to a felony of the second degree. This is only allowable if you can prove – with a preponderance of evidence, that you safely released the person in some type of safe place and did so voluntarily. That will reduce the charges against you, and it may change the maximum punishment. A second degree felony is punishable with up to 20 years in prison.
To learn more about the specifics of your case, set up a consultation with an aggravated kidnapping defense attorney in Houston. Let us provide you with more insight into what you could be facing.
How the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak Can Help You
When facing a charge like this, request help from your attorney immediately. Try to avoid answering any questions that could be used against you later. Instead, contact our law office to discuss your legal rights.
Our goal is to prove, when possible that you are innocent of these charges. If that is not possible, we will work to get the lowest possible sentence and punishment for you. Every case is different, but there are legal defenses for aggravated kidnapping that could apply to your case.
For example, it may be that the act was consensual and not forced. There may be no evidence of violence or pressure in the case. If there is no deadly weapon involved, that could also help your case. It may be possible to prove that no abduction occurred in the first place, especially if someone is making this claim without any evidence of it happening.
Because these cases often get a lot of public attention, seek out the support of an aggravated kidnapping defense attorney in Houston as early on as possible. Our team will work to:
- Gather evidence in your case, so you know what you are facing
- Work with you to create a legal defense based on what occurred
- Develop a case to prove your innocence or to work to reduce the charges against you if possible
- Ensure your rights remain protected.
- Provide insight and aggressive legal defense in court.
You can freely speak to your attorney about what occurred. Whenever possible, we’ll use the details of your case to help you get your charges reduced or to prove your innocents. The sooner you act in getting legal support, the better.
Contact the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak for a Free Consultation
When you are facing charges like this, ensure you have an experienced defense attorney ready to stand by your side. Our team is here to help you. We are available 24/7 to provide you with legal counsel. Contact us now at the Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak to get immediate help for your legal matter with a free consultation.