Have You Been Arrested For Kidnapping Charges In Iowa?
In Iowa’s criminal code, you could be facing felony kidnapping charges if you confine or take someone or a person without authority – or their consent – from one place to another. This could also apply if you do not have legal or physical custody of your child and you abduct your child without their other parent’s permission.
For charges to stick, law enforcement must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that in the act of seizing, confining, luring or abducting the person you were also intending to:
- Sexually abuse or seriously injure or torture the person
- Secretly hide the person
- Hold the person for ransom or reward
- Take the person hostage or use them as a shield
- Interfere with a potential arrest
- Stop a government agency from removing the child to foster care
A conviction for kidnapping charges could result in imprisonment, high fines and a lifelong background record. Your job, career, home and social reputation could be at risk. You will need a legal defense team experienced in kidnapping cases. Call Lombardi & Miler Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation to learn how our defense attorneys can help you. We are meticulous about investigating the facts of your case and the nature of your arrest when confronting charges of kidnapping.
The Severity Of Kidnapping Charges
The law classifies kidnapping into three felony categories. Depending on your background of prior convictions and the facts related to the case, such as if you had a weapon, a conviction for kidnapping can result in the rest of your life in prison for kidnapping in the first degree and fines up to $10,000 for kidnapping in the third degree.
- Kidnapping in the first degree: Class A felony; life in prison
- Kidnapping in the second degree: Class B felony; up to 25 years in prison
- Kidnapping in the third degree; Class C felony; up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000
Look to Lombardi & Miler Law Firm PLLC for assistance with the complex legal process for kidnapping cases or other offenses. We can also help you if you are contending with related charges such as:
- Child stealing
- Violating a custody order
- Enticing a minor
- False imprisonment
- Harboring a runaway child
- Purchase or sale of an individual
In addition, if prosecutors determine there was any sexual motivation, you may be subject to register as a sex offender in Iowa.
You Will Need A Strong Defense
Our defense lawyers highlight the importance of your understanding the gravity of a conviction of kidnapping and related offenses you are facing. In crafting a solid case for you, we will gather and assess evidence, thoroughly investigate legislative updates and recent case law, collect expert witnesses’ testimony and interview other witnesses to support your defense.
With an emphasis on your right to legal representation and a fair trial, we will explore all details and determine if one or more of the defenses to kidnapping apply in your situation. Typical defenses include:
- A mistake
- Consent
- Lack of knowledge
- Lack of intent
- Family member with authority
- Insanity
- Duress
Do not hesitate to speak with us soon to discuss the nature of your circumstances and the kidnapping charges you are facing.
Protecting Your Rights And Advocating For A Fair Outcome
The consequences of a kidnapping conviction are harsh. If you are facing kidnapping or related charges, our criminal defense attorneys at Lombardi & Miler Law Firm PLLC understand it is an intense time for you. We will challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights to a fair outcome. Call us in West Des Moines at 515-513-5324 or send us an email for a free consultation.