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Long Island Kidnapping Lawyer
Long Island Kidnapping Attorney
Kidnapping is one of the most serious charges you can face in the state of New York. If convicted, you could end up serving serious time in prison, including a potential life sentence if the case against you is significant. Even if you aren’t convicted, the accusation of being a kidnapper can follow you for quite some time and impact your job performance, your social standing, and even your personal life. A Long Island kidnapping lawyer can help you.
The legal team at The Vitaliano Law Firm understands the severity of kidnapping charges. The very idea that you could kidnap somebody and hold them against their will can sometimes be enough to immediately convict you in the court of public opinion.
It is absolutely imperative to your case that you do what you can to get ahead of these charges and mount a strong defense strategy with a kidnapping attorney who understands Long Island kidnapping laws.
Why Should You Hire a Kidnapping Lawyer?
There are many different reasons why you should hire a kidnapping lawyer. First and foremost, when you are facing such significant charges, you will want the right people by your side the entire time. Michael Vitaliano possesses the right kind of courtroom experience, having transitioned from a former prosecutor to a criminal defense lawyer.
He knows the most effective ways to help your case and can fully understand how both sides of the criminal court system work. According to statistical data gathered by the United States Sentencing Commission, there were only seven kidnapping convictions in Southern New York in 2024.
However, each of those convictions resulted in significant legal penalties. Additionally, a report by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services detailed that by the end of 2024, there were over 1,000 active missing children cases in the state.
Facing a Conviction
When facing a kidnapping conviction, it’s not uncommon for the prosecution to use people’s emotions and sympathies regarding similar cases, such as missing children, to make you look much worse in their eyes.
As you struggle with the charges against you, you may want to consider reaching out to a local mental health support group such as Inspiring Wellness or NAMI Long Island. Talking to someone about your struggles can be very beneficial to your healing process.
Kidnapping Charges in Long Island
In New York, kidnapping is a very serious felony that can result in significant legal consequences. If you are facing such charges, you should reach out to a defense lawyer who focuses on kidnapping cases. They can help you mount a strong defense.
You could be charged with kidnapping in the second degree if you abduct another person against their will. That crime is a Class B felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to 25 years in prison.
Your case can get worse if you are charged with kidnapping in the first degree. This can be applied if the kidnapper demands a ransom, the victim is restrained for an extended period of time, or the victim dies as a result of the kidnapping.
This would be charged as a Class A-1 felony, which carries a possible life sentence. If the kidnapper crosses state lines with the victim, it becomes a federal offense.
Being Arrested
Getting arrested on kidnapping charges can be humiliating, especially if it’s done in front of your family, friends, or neighbors. Just keep in mind that you are always innocent until proven guilty, regardless of the crime you may have committed.
Never forget that you are always afforded certain constitutional rights that cannot be infringed upon, such as your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel. You will need both of these rights during this trying time.
FAQs
How Many Years Do You Get for Kidnapping in New York?
The amount of prison time you can get for kidnapping in New York depends largely on the details of the alleged crime and whether or not the victim was restrained or killed. For kidnapping in the second degree, you could be looking at anywhere from five to 25 years in prison. For kidnapping in the first degree, which involves a ransom, restraint, or death, you could be looking at 15 to 25 years or a possible life sentence.
What Are the Four Types of Kidnapping?
The four types of kidnapping are:
- Simple Kidnapping: The unlawful taking of someone against their will without any aggravating factors.
- Aggravated Kidnapping: The unlawful taking of someone against their will with the addition of a ransom, serious injury, or sexual assault.
- Family Abduction: A situation where a child is abducted by a parent or other family member.
- Virtual Kidnapping: A scam where the perpetrator calls the family demanding a ransom for a kidnapping that hasn’t actually taken place.
What Type of Lawyer Deals With Kidnapping Cases?
If you are facing kidnapping charges, you will want to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling kidnapping cases similar to yours. The right lawyer can make a considerable difference when it comes to facing legal penalties. You don’t want to end up going against a seasoned prosecutor, who may be seeking the maximum sentence, without legal help of your own. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for help.
How Can I Get Convicted for Kidnapping?
To secure a conviction on kidnapping charges, the prosecution must be able to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They must use a compelling argument, substantial evidence, and more to convince a jury of your guilt. All your lawyer needs to do is introduce reasonable doubt into their case. If your lawyer can convince the jury that there’s a chance you didn’t do this, that could be enough to win.
Reach Out Today
The legal team at The Vitaliano Law Firm understands the kind of legal help you will need to fight these charges. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team about your case.
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About us
An accomplished legal advocate, Michael E. Vitaliano is the founder and principal of The Vitaliano Law Firm, based in New York City. Mr. Vitaliano is a leading criminal defense lawyer and experienced advocate in handling all criminal matters in state and federal court.
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