Pennsylvania Kidnapping Crimes

Pennsylvania, along with the rest of the United States, takes kidnapping very seriously. Kidnapping in Pennsylvania can be defined as “the removal of a person a significant distance from where they are found or confined for a period of isolation with intent to either hold a person for ransom, carry out a felony or flight, inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim, or to interfere with the actions of public officials.” The term kidnapping covers a wide range of offenses, some of which include the following crimes:

  • False imprisonment
  • Unlawful restraint
  • Luring a child into a structure or a motor vehicle
  • Ransom demands
  • Interference with a child custody arrangement
  • Concealment of information regarding the location of a child

Kidnapping crimes are severe and if an individual is convicted of such an offense, they will face very harsh penalties. If an individual is charged with kidnapping, they will be facing a felony in the first degree if force, threats, or deceptions were used in committing the crime. Some of the lesser forms of kidnapping will result in either a misdemeanor or a felony in the second degree. If a child is kidnapped by a parent and is taken out of the country, international laws and consequences may apply.

If you have been charged with kidnapping in Pennsylvania, contact us today.

The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced attorneys throughout the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Please contact the office to schedule a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your specific case.