Few criminal offenses are treated as seriously as kidnapping. A conviction could cost you 30 years in prison, steep monetary fines, and permanent damage to your reputation. Thankfully, you have the right to hire a Pickens County kidnapping lawyer to protect your interests.
Receiving the desired outcome for your case is crucial, and you need legal counsel who understands how to navigate these situations effectively. Defense attorney Christopher L. Jones is a former prosecutor who is ready to use his experience as a well-versed federal criminal defense attorney to advocate for you on your behalf.
Understanding Kidnapping Charges
The criminal offense of kidnapping involves seizing or taking another person without authority or consent. While many assume this charge always involves carrying off someone to another location, it is enough for the prosecutor to show that the defendant confined or seized someone against their will, even for a short period.
This offense does not always involve the use of force. While the term kidnapping leaves a vision of snatching a child in most people’s minds, the crime often involves the use of some kind of deception. A person might be completely unaware that they are the victim of a crime while it is happening. Due to the significant penalties associated with this offense, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately following an arrest. A Pickens County kidnapping attorney could ensure you have the opportunity to build the strongest possible defense against these allegations. Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, could examine all the facts of a case and create a strong plan.
When Is This a Federal Offense?
Unlike many other crimes that are largely handled at the state level, kidnapping is often a federal offense. A Pickens County attorney understands that there are different factors that must be present for a kidnapping case to take this from a South Carolina issue and involve the U.S. Department of Justice. The most common reason is when a person is taken across state lines. Other acts like kidnapping government employees or taking a child overseas without consent will also qualify.
Alternatively, this offense is usually handled by state prosecutors when the alleged acts occur within the borders of South Carolina. The same is true for allegations of parental kidnapping so long as the child does not leave the United States.
Understanding Potential Defenses
With the help of an attorney in Pickens County, you could develop the strongest possible defense strategy in your kidnapping case. Often, these allegations stem from a misunderstanding involving a minor child and their legal guardian. What can appear to be kidnapping at first may be a parent dealing with an unruly juvenile.
Consent is another potential strategy. A kidnapping charge is only appropriate in situations where someone is taken without authority. If an adult is there voluntarily, no crime has been committed. Other defenses might highlight the factual issues in the state’s case. Prosecutors and police can make mistakes, arresting the wrong person is possible. Even when a crime has occurred, establishing that someone else committed it is a viable strategy.
Call a Pickens County Attorney for Help With Your Kidnapping Case Today
In the aftermath of an arrest, you must take steps to protect your freedom. This means asserting your constitutional rights and hiring a Pickens County kidnapping lawyer to help you understand the necessary steps for a desirable outcome.
The sooner you obtain legal counsel, the better your chances of success. Let attorney Christopher L. Jones review the charges against you and advise you on the ideal defense approach. Call the firm immediately for a private consultation.
