Cleveland Kidnapping Crime Defense Lawyers

Skilled Kidnapping Defense in the Cleveland Area

The Ohio Revised Code defines kidnapping (O.R.C. 2905.01) as using threats, force, or deception to remove a person from the place where they were found, or restrain their liberty, for any of several specified purposes.

These include the following...

• Holding for ransom
• Facilitating a crime or flight from a crime
• Holding the victim in involuntary servitude
• Sexually assaulting the victim

Kidnapping is an extremely serious felony and penalties are severe. When a victim has been released unharmed in a safe place, the charge will be a second degree felony, with a maximum of 8 years. In other circumstances, kidnapping is a first degree felony with sentencing guidelines that can include life in prison. The attorneys at Patituce & Associates protect our clients in Cleveland when they're facing the most serious charges.

Abduction Charges (O.R.C. 2905.02)

When a person knowingly removes another from the place where they were found using threats or force, or restrains their liberty in a way that creates a risk of harm to them, or holds another in a condition of involuntary servitude, they can be charged with abduction by Cleveland prosecutors. Abduction penalties are heavy; it is a third degree felony with a possible five years if convicted; however, some circumstances can upgrade it to a second degree felony. When there is sexual motivation or involuntary servitude, you can face up to eight years.

Unlawful Restraint (O.R.C. 2905.03)

When you knowingly engage in conduct that restrains another person from their liberty, you can be charged with unlawful restraint by Cleveland prosecutors. While unlawful restraint a misdemeanor of the third degree that carries a sentence of up to 60 days in jail if convicted, it is often charged as part of a larger indictment or as a lesser included charge in a kidnapping or abduction case. Experienced legal help is a must.

Human Trafficking (O.R.C. 2905.32)

Human trafficking is an extremely serious offense in every jurisdiction in the United States-and strong laws are in place to punish those convicted of it. In Cleveland, prosecutors can charge under trafficking in persons in a variety of circumstances where victims are held against their will for any number of purposes. This is a first degree felony with definite sentencing, so you will face between 10 and 15 years in prison if convicted.

Unlawful Conduct with Respect to Documents (O.R.C. 2905.33)

Related to abduction, human trafficking, and other statutes, unlawful conduct with respect to documents is the charge that you took, held, or destroyed a person's government issued identification, passport, or other valid identifying paperwork, as part of a furtherance of another criminal act like kidnapping or compelling prostitution. On its own, this is a third degree felony charge with up to five years in prison if you're convicted.

Talk to a Skilled Defense Attorney Today: (440) 709-8088

The Cleveland criminal defense lawyers at Patituce & Associates are experienced defense attorneys who used to be prosecutors. We know how cases are built to support even serious charges, and we know how to protect our clients.

If you or a family member need help with criminal charges, call (440) 709-8088 for a free consultation.