Philadelphia Kidnapping Lawyer

If you were charged with kidnapping or false imprisonment in Philadelphia, PA, or a surrounding area, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC. Our attorneys are experienced in fighting serious felony criminal charges. Important defenses exist to fight these charges. Call (215) 665-1695 today to discuss the particular facts of your case with an experience criminal defense lawyer.

Pennsylvania Kidnapping Information Center

Elements of Kidnapping under Pennsylvania's Section 2901

Pennsylvania's current kidnapping statute under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2901 became effective on February 21, 2012. Section 2901 requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the following elements:

The defendant unlawfully removes another;

a substantial distance under the circumstances; and
from the place where he is found; or

The defendant unlawfully confines another;

for a substantial period; and
in a place of isolation.

The defendant acted with the intention to:

hold for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage;
facilitate commission of any felony or flight thereafter;
inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another; or
interfere with the performance by public officials of any governmental or political function.

A removal or confinement is unlawful under the kidnapping statue if it is accomplished by force, threat or deception, or, in the case of an incapacitated person, if it is accomplished without the consent of a parent, guardian or other person responsible for general supervision of his welfare.

Kidnapping of a Minor in Pennsylvania

Any allegation of kidnapping a minor child comes with more serious penalties and punishments. Section 2901(a.1) makes it a crime to kidnap a minor child. Under the statue, a person can be charged with kidnapping of a minor if it is alleged that he:

unlawfully removes a person under 18 years of age a substantial distance under the circumstances from the place where he is found; or
if he unlawfully confines a person under 18 years of age for a substantial period in a place of isolation; and
the defendant acted with any of the following intentions:

To hold for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage;
To facilitate commission of any felony or flight thereafter;
To inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another; or
To interfere with the performance by public officials of any governmental or political function.

Kidnapping of a minor also provides that the removal or confinement is unlawful if it is accomplished by force, threat or deception, or, in the case of a person under 14 years of age, if it is accomplished without consent of a parent, guardian or other person responsible for general supervision of his welfare.

Classification of Kidnapping Crimes

Under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2901(b), kidnapping is charged as a felony of the first degree. Kidnapping of a minor child under Section 2901(a.1) is also a felony of the first degree. Under Pennsylvania law, a felony of the first degree is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Finding a Kidnapping Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA

If you were charged with kidnapping or false imprisonment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then call our experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. We represent clients charged with false imprisonment throughout the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area and the surrounding areas including Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Delaware County, PA.