Kidnapping Defense Lawyers in Baltimore

Our Fir Can Help You Fight Your Charges. Call (410) 630-4274 for a FREE Consultation

Has someone accused you of kidnapping? Baltimore considers kidnapping to be one of the most severe felony offenses in the state. If given a felony conviction, you could face up to 30 years in prison, which is why you will need a defense attorney to navigate the case with you.

According to Maryland Criminal Law Code Ann. § 3-502, a person can be found guilty of kidnapping if they forcibly take a person or cause said person to be taken outside of Maryland; or, if they intend to forcibly take a person outside of Maryland state lines.

If you are accused of, or under investigation for, kidnapping, contact Scheuerman Law, LLCtoday by calling (410) 630-4274. 

Types of Kidnapping

There are two types of kidnapping: abduction of a child and abduction of an adult. The classifications for each are similar, but there are some important variations, as described below.

Child Abduction

Maryland Criminal Law Code Ann. § 3-503, addresses child kidnapping and prohibits anyone from taking a minor (under the age of 16) away from their home and/or custody of their legal guardian. The child cannot be taken through force, fraud or enticement.

The law also prohibits anyone from harboring a child who has been kidnapped. Child kidnapping and/or harboring is considered a felony and, if convicted, a person could face up to 20 years in prison.

Adult Abduction

Adult kidnapping involves the forceful or violent taking of someone without their consent. Using coercion to take someone is also classified as adult abduction. And, when someone is taken out of state against their will, it could become a federal matter, which would increase the penalties upon conviction.