Kidnapping Defense Attorney Serving Collin, Tarrant and Dallas Counties

Lawyer in North Texas for Unlawful Restraint and Abduction Charges

When you are facing charges related to kidnapping or abducting a child, you could be facing extremely severe criminal penalties. In addition, your personal and professional reputation could be damaged forever. Fortunately, there is hope.

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we understand that allegations of kidnapping are often the result of misunderstandings by well-intentioned parents and other figures in a child's life. We also know that there are many other factors that could affect the outcome of your case. Attorney Darlina Crowder has more than 20 years of criminal law experience, and she has secured more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for her clients. She and her team have handled the most serious cases, and we are prepared to put our proven approach to work for you.

Unlawful Restraint and Kidnapping in Texas

Under Texas law, there are several degrees of kidnapping-related charges, which can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a first-degree felony. When a child is involved, however, any such offense is at least a state jail felony. Unlawful restraint of a child may be charged if you are suspected of restricting a child's movements or interfering with the child's liberty without the permission of the child's parent or guardian. Unlawfully restraining a child under the age of 17 is a state jail felony, but the victim is recklessly exposed to a substantial risk of serious injury, the offense is a third-degree felony.

You could be charged with kidnapping if you are suspected of abducting another person. According to the law, "abduct" means to limit a person's "liberation" by holding the person in a place where he or she is unlikely to be found or restraining the person's movements by the use or threat of deadly force. Kidnapping is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in state prison.

The charge may be elevated to aggravated kidnapping if the abduction is committed with the intent to:

• Hold the victim for ransom;
• Use the victim as a hostage or shield;
• Facilitate another felony;
• Injure or sexually abuse the victim;
• Terrorize the victim or another person, such as the victim's parent; or
• Interfere with governmental or political functions.

Aggravated kidnapping is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison. The charge could be reduced to a second-degree felony if the victim was released voluntarily by the suspect.

Denton County Counsel for Federal Kidnapping Cases

While most kidnapping cases are handled at the state level, federal agencies may get involved if they suspect that the victim may have been transported across state lines or international borders. Once federal agencies become part of the case, any charges that result are likely to be filed in federal court. Federal kidnapping charges are extremely serious and could lead to prison sentences of 20 years or more. Our team has the experience and resources to help you defend against kidnapping charges in both state and federal court.

Aggressive Defense Against Kidnapping Charges in Dallas and Fort Worth

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we believe that every defendant is innocent until proven guilty, including those facing charges related to the abduction or kidnapping of a child. From the moment you contact our firm, we will treat you with respect and dignity while ensuring that your rights are fully protected. We will listen to your side of the story and conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your arrest, looking for any details that could be helpful in your defense. Our team will fight hard on your behalf in pursuit of the best possible outcome.

Call 214-544-0061 Today

For more information about our firm and our approach to defending against charges of kidnapping and child abduction, contact our office. Call 214-544-0061 for a free consultation today. We serve clients in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, and the rest of North Texas.