Missouri laws are pretty stringent when it comes to kidnapping. The charges may come for a variety of reasons, but most often, a person charged with this crime is facing a multitude of other criminal charges.
At Richard H. Sindel, Inc., Attorneys at Law, we want you to understand how you can face a kidnapping charge unintentionally. Since any act that forces a person to stay against his or her will is subject to a kidnapping charge, you may want to change the way you think about some of your actions. In the heat of the moment, think about how your actions may come back to haunt you in a big way.
Forcing someone to hide during a crime
Kidnapping charges typically occur alongside other crimes, such as robbery or assault. Entering a place of business to commit theft may lead to you forcing someone to hide under the counter or in a corner while you go about your business. This simple act of ordering someone to stay put is enough to have you serving extra time.
Taking someone’s phone and not letting them leave
Getting into an argument with someone does not seem like it would rise to a crime, but in the heat of the moment, it may. Whether you argue with a spouse or relative, the minute you seize their phone or block the door, there is a chance you may find yourself in cuffs for kidnapping. Not allowing someone to leave when they make their wish to do so known may have you looking at a serious criminal charge.
Kidnapping does not have to involve tying someone up or demanding a ransom. For more insight on this and other possible charges, visit our webpage.
