What Are the Different Types of Kidnapping Charges?
Kidnapping charges result from the unlawful confinement of a person taken against his or her will, often by force. It is a crime that is usually classified as a felony offense in the United States. The severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances surrounding the crime. Stiffer penalties can be imposed when the victim is a minor, elderly, or otherwise incapacitated. If the kidnapped individual was abused, exploited, terrorized, injured, or killed, the criminal charges can result in a life sentence in prison. In some jurisdictions, the punishment may be death. In the U.S., a person who kidnaps a child under the age of 13 years can usually be charged with a first degree felony, if there are aggravating circumstances associated with the crime. Sometimes, an offender will use the child as leverage to collect ransom money from a wealthy family. Other times, he or she may exploit the child, terrorize, or abuse him or her. It is a serious crime that can be punishable by up to life i
