Gillette Kidnapping Defense Lawyers

Defending Clients Facing Kidnapping Charges in Gillette

Kidnapping is a felony offense in Wyoming. It involves unlawfully removing another individual from that person’s residence or place of business, or from the vicinity where the victim was when the crime was committed, or unlawfully confining another individual, with the intent to:

• Hold the victim for ransom;
• Use the victim as a hostage or a shield;
• Inflict bodily injury on the victim;
• Terrorize the victim or another person; or
• Facilitate the commission of a felony.

Our criminal defense attorneys have experience defending clients against charges of kidnapping and other felony crimes. If you have been charged with kidnapping in Campbell County, contact us for a free case strategy session.

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What Are the Wyoming Kidnapping Laws?

In Wyoming, kidnapping is a felony, charged in either of two degrees, depending on the gravity of the offense. First degree kidnapping is the more serious offense. It is charged when the victim was either not released in a safe place, or when the victim was seriously injured or sexually assaulted. Second degree kidnapping is charged when the defendant voluntarily released the kidnapped person in a safe place and substantially unharmed.

The elements of kidnapping are confinement with the intent to hold for ransom, to inflict bodily injury on or terrorize the victim or another, or to facilitate commission of a felony. First degree kidnapping is punishable by a prison term of not less than 20 years or life. Penalties for second degree kidnapping include a prison term of not more than 20 years.

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What Are the Legal Defenses Against Kidnapping Charges?

Defenses our Gillette violent crime defense lawyers can raise against kidnapping charges will depend on the particular circumstances of your case. Common defenses against kidnapping charges include:

• False claims: The purported victim made false claims in accusing you of kidnapping.
• Consent: The person you allegedly kidnapped actually gave consent and willingly entered a vehicle with you.
• Rights violations: If police failed to obtain a search warrant before entering your dwelling or vehicle, or if the warrant was flawed, a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights may have occurred. This may be enough to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
• Coercion: If you were forced to commit the crime of kidnapping through threats or blackmail, coercion may be a valid defense.

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What Are the Different Types of Kidnapping?

Kidnapping can occur in different ways and for a variety of reasons. Some types of kidnapping include:

• Virtual kidnapping: Perpetrators wait until the target is unreachable (out of cell phone range) and contact the family demanding ransom. The victim usually returns unaware of what has occurred.
• Express kidnapping: The kidnapped target is forced to withdraw ransom money from a bank or ATM. This type of kidnapping is more common in urban areas with an abundance of ATMs.
• Tiger kidnapping: A victim is kidnapped and forced to assist in or commit a theft. Victims work in locations where cash is handled, such as a bank, post office, or currency exchange firm.
• Political kidnapping: Perpetrators kidnap a victim to extort political concessions from security forces or governments. When the kidnappers’ demands cannot be met, the victim’s life is at risk.

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Why Do You Need a Gillette Kidnapping Defense Attorney?

Penalties for kidnapping are severe and may include lengthy prison sentences. If you have been charged with kidnapping in Gillette, you need the best possible criminal defense to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Our Gillette kidnapping defense lawyers at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. have experience investigating and analyzing evidence, working with expert witnesses, and negotiating with prosecutors on behalf of our clients. We purposefully keep our caseload low so each of our clients receives our full attention. Contact us at (307) 257-7800 if you are facing kidnapping charges.

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