Child Kidnapping
Child kidnapping is a serious offense whose penalties could change your life forever. The offense is committed when someone transports a child under the age of fourteen without the consent of the victim’s parent or guardian. Regardless of the individual’s reasons or intent, kidnapping carries a stigma that is difficult to erase.
A conviction for a serious offense like child kidnapping also comes with potentially life-long penalties. Aside from stiff fines and prison time, you could potentially face additional collateral consequences for having a child kidnapping conviction on record. This includes having a difficult time gaining employment and the inability to obtain a professional license. If you have been charged with child kidnapping, it is important to obtain a skilled criminal defense attorney in Utah that can help you fight those charges.
Salt Lake County Child Kidnapping Lawyer, UT
If you have been charged and arrested with child kidnapping in Utah, contact qualified criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin. She has 27 years of experience representing clients accused of violent crimes and will work hard to achieve the most favorable outcome in your case.
Child kidnapping is a very serious criminal charge that can change a person’s life indefinitely. Don’t wait another moment and obtain qualify legal counsel. Call 801-243-2814 today to receive a free, initial consultation. Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law represents individuals Salt Lake County, Davis County, Midvale, Holladay, South Lake, and surrounding areas.
Information Center
- Kidnapping Charges in Utah
- Child Kidnapping Penalties in Utah
- Violent Crimes in Salt Lake City
- Additional Resources for Child Kidnapping
Kidnapping Charges in Utah
According to Utah Code 76-5-301, the act of kidnapping is committed if the defendant, intentionally or knowingly, without authority of law, and against the will of the victim:
- Detains or restrains the victim for any substantial period of time
- Detains or restrains the victim in circumstances exposing the victim to risk of bodily injury;
- Holds the victim in involuntary servitude;
- Detains or restrains a minor without the consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian or the consent of a person acting in loco parentis, if the minor is 14 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age; or
- Moves the individual any substantial distance or across a state line.
Although consequences for kidnapping in Utah are already severe, Utah law enhances penalties for child kidnapping. An individual commits child kidnapping if the individual intentionally or knowingly seizes, confines, detains, or transports a child under the age of 14 without the consent of the victim’s parent or guardian. Being accused of child kidnapping is a serious charge that requires serious representation to overcome the potentially devastating consequences.
Child Kidnapping Penalties in Utah
In the state of Utah, kidnapping alone is a serious matter. The offense is classified as a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Aside from steep fines and time spent behind bars, kidnapping charges carry a social stigma which is more difficult to remove. A conviction can also result in the loss of or inability to obtain a professional license, loss of civil rights, and a difficult time gaining employment.
In cases of child kidnapping, the crime is classified as a first-degree felony and the potential prison sentence is enhanced to a minimum of 15 years with a maximum of life imprisonment. Additionally, an individual charged and arrested for child kidnapping can expect to face up to $10,000 in fines. If the defendant causes serious bodily injury to another or they were previously convicted of a grievous sexual offense, they could be sentenced to life without parole.
Violent Crimes in Salt Lake City
Child kidnapping is a serious charge that requires experienced legal representation. Thankfully, Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law carries 27 years of experience fighting for clients who have been accused of violent crimes. Aside from kidnapping, criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin represents individuals accused of additional violent crimes including:
- Assault
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Rape
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Aggravated Assault
- Murder/Homicide
- Negligent Homicide
Additional Resources for Child Kidnapping
Utah Code: Child Kidnapping – Visit Utah Code 76-5-301 which constitutes the child kidnapping crime. The webpage defines the offense and lists certain definitions related to the term. Click on the link to read more about the offense penalties.
FBI: Kidnapping – Click the link to visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website. The webpage lists individuals who have recently been kidnapping. The FBI also lists information on individuals convicted of parental kidnapping.
Utah Violent Crime Lawyers in Salt Lake City
Have you been charged with child kidnapping in the state of Utah? It’s time to act now and obtain experienced legal counsel. Criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin at Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law carries over 27 years of experience defending clients accused of violent crimes such as child kidnapping, sexual assault, human trafficking and battery. She will act quickly to protect your rights.
Susanne Gustin, Attorney at Law accepts cases throughout Salt Lake County, and in the surrounding areas including Toole County, Utah County, Summit County, Weber County, and Davis County, Utah. Call 801-243-2814 to receive a thorough evaluation of your case during a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Susanne Gustin has practiced criminal defense in Utah for years and understands the ins-and-outs of litigation in Salt Lake County courtrooms. She is ready to fight aggressively on your behalf.
