Understanding Kidnapping: A Simplified Explanation

Kidnapping is a term that may bring to mind dramatic scenes of children being lured by strangers. However, this is not typically the case. In many instances, these actions are carried out by one of the child’s parents acting against court-ordered custody rules. Although these parents may believe they are acting in the child’s best interest, they are actually breaking the law.

What is Kidnapping?

In the state of Pennsylvania, kidnapping laws define several ways someone may illegally restrain another person. Kidnapping generally means:

1. Illegally confining someone to a hidden location for a long time.
2. Taking someone a significant distance away from their original location.

The motivation behind kidnapping can vary, such as:

• Disrupting government processes.
• Demanding money in exchange for release.
• Causing the victim or others to be afraid or physically hurt.
• Assisting someone in escaping after committing a serious crime.

When a person kidnaps someone else under these conditions, they are committing a serious crime, known as a first-degree felony.

Types of Kidnapping

Unlawful Restraint

This happens when someone prevents another person from leaving a situation where they could get hurt or forces them to work against their will.

Interference With Child Custody:

Commonly seen in family disputes, this involves someone taking or luring a child away from their legal guardian. The seriousness of this action is measured by whether the person knew they were causing worry about the child’s safety.

In specific situations, this can be considered a less serious offense if:

• The person has visitation rights.
• The child was taken for less than a day.
• The actions were a response to a perceived threat to the child’s safety.

Legal Consequences for Kidnapping

The punishments for kidnapping depend on the crime’s severity:

• First-degree felony: Up to $20,000 in fines and 20 years in jail.
• Second-degree felony: Up to $25,000 in fines and 10 years in jail.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Up to $5,000 in fines and 2 years in jail.

It’s essential to recognize that kidnapping can complicate custody discussions in court since it often involves going against custody agreements.

Defending Against Kidnapping Charges

People accused of kidnapping may have defenses available. For instance:

• They weren’t breaking any custody orders.
• The child preferred to stay with them.
• There was a genuine concern for the child’s welfare that prompted the action.

Examples of Kidnapping Situations

Kidnapping can occur under various conditions, such as:

• Blocking a parent from seeing their child.
• Taking a child across state lines without the other parent’s consent.
• Not following a shared custody agreement for more than a day.
• Moving your own child away from the primary custodial parent.

It’s important to understand that not all cases are clear-cut. Kidnapping charges often arise out of complicated family situations. Contact us at 844.PITT.DUI or connect with us online.