Recent data suggests that kidnapping in New Jersey is slightly higher than the average US state. Even among the 63 New Jersey children currently listed in the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) database, 14 of those went missing in 2020 or 2021. While one-fourth of at least 200,000 cases in this database is believed to be parental or family abduction, it is also thought that a majority of these abducted children were taken by someone they knew. Though custodial kidnapping, parental abduction, or criminal interference of a child that stems from the high emotions of divorce or a domestic violence situation are pretty common, the consequences and penalties are severe and can include jail time. A conviction would impact, not only one’s future, but that of their family as well.
Ordinarily classified as a first-degree criminal offense, kidnapping consists of unlawfully taking someone by force or coercion, without their consent, and removing them from the area where they were. If you or a loved one has been charged with kidnapping in Neptune, Asbury Park, Holmdel, Freehold, Monmouth County or elsewhere in New Jersey, regardless of the circumstances, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys for help. At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, our talented team of attorneys has experience defending clients who have been charged with violent and threat offenses such as kidnapping, criminal restraint, and false imprisonment, which has equipped us with a unique skillset necessary to combat the State’s case against our clients.
To schedule a confidential consultation, contact us online or call our West Long Branch office today at (732) 440-3950 or toll-free at (888) 328-9131.
Considered a violent crime, kidnapping is divided into two categories:
If you are ever suspected of kidnapping, even if you are never charged, the social stigma can negatively impact any future job, relationship, and educational opportunities you could have. To help you mount an effective defense, contact a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who will eagerly speak with you about your case and help you understand your legal options.
Although kidnapping is graded as a crime of the first degree in the majority of cases, with elements of taking, confinement, restraint, movement of the victim, as well as subjecting them to force or threats, and emotional harm, the charge can be classified as a second-degree offense if the victim is released unharmed and in a safe place before the accused kidnapper being taken into custody.
If convicted of kidnapping in the following:
First degree:
Second degree:
As a violent indictable offense, New Jersey State Prosecutors also have the No Early Release Act (NERA) on their side when securing a conviction for kidnapping, so anyone convicted of such a crime will have to serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Kidnapping and criminal restraint are serious crimes to be charged with in Monmouth County or anywhere else in New Jersey. Effective and skilled legal representation can mean the difference between a conviction, dismissal, or a charge reduction. The criminal defense attorneys at Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh know this and will aggressively fight to protect your rights and those of your loved one.
At Chamlin, Uliano & Walsh, we are patient, dedicated, and fervent legal advocates for our clients in Freehold, Asbury Park, Manasquan, Lake Como, Long Branch, Belmar, Holmdel, Point Pleasant, and Toms River. Each situation is unique, and our criminal defense legal team will give your case the special attention it deserves and devise a defense strategy that serves your best interests.
Contact us online or call our office today at (732) 440-3950 or toll-free at (888) 328-9131 for a confidential consultation.