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Castle Rock Kidnapping Lawyer

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Castle Rock Kidnapping Attorney

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Imagine hearing “Guilty” and the judge sentencing you to decades in prison for kidnapping. Your dreams, family, career – gone. This nightmare could await you if you don’t act decisively to protect your future.

But there is hope – false allegations can crumble under scrutiny. Even strong prosecution cases can unravel with aggressive defense. The key is immediately retaining skilled legal counsel to start dismantling the charges against you.

At Right Law Group, we know what it takes to win kidnapping cases in Colorado. We have achieved outright dismissals, acquittals, and not-guilty verdicts through relentless investigation, nimble negotiation, and mastery of the courtroom. Time and time again, we’ve defended the innocent and spared them years behind bars.

Don’t become another statistic – a kidnapping conviction is a life sentence. Fight back now, before it’s too late. Schedule a free consultation with our battle-tested Castle Rock kidnapping lawyers. We will urgently safeguard your rights and craft a winning strategy tailored to the facts of your case.

Your Situation is Urgent But Not Hopeless

Facing kidnapping charges is terrifying. Under Colorado law, first-degree kidnapping is a class 1 or 2 felony, depending on the circumstances. The possible consequences range from 8 to 24 years, up to life in prison. Second-degree kidnapping also carries up to 24 years, or even more depending on the circumstances. Time is critical in building your defense.

But your situation is not hopeless. You still have rights. An effective lawyer knows how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case and find plausible defenses.

We have seen seemingly airtight charges dismissed or reduced through diligent advocacy from the start. So don’t lose hope. With the right legal strategy, the worst outcomes can often be avoided.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

What Does “Kidnapping” Mean Under Colorado Law?

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There are two main statutes – C.R.S. 18-3-301 covers first-degree kidnapping while C.R.S. 18-3-302 is for second-degree. Generally, the main distinction is that the first degree involves extorting the victim in some way, like demanding money in exchange for release. With second-degree, there’s not necessarily a demand for anything of value.

First-degree kidnapping is either a class 1 felony which carries with it the possible penalty of life in prison, or a class 2 felony, which carries 8 to 24 years in prison. Second-degree kidnapping can be a class 4, class 3, or even a class 2 felony. The presumptive range of prison for these levels of charges is 2 to 6 years prison, 4 to 12 years prison, and 8 to 24 years prison. Other related charges like false imprisonment may come into play, too. The context shapes the appropriate charges.

There are also separate laws for parental kidnapping – when disputes over child custody lead a parent to take drastic measures. But most other situations where someone’s movement or freedom is restrained against their will fall under the two main kidnapping statutes.

How Might Kidnapping Charges Arise in Castle Rock?

Castle Rock sees many different scenarios that can trigger kidnapping charges, including:

  • Escalated domestic disputes where one partner restricts the other’s freedom of movement. Maybe they block an exit or take their car keys against their will.
  • Ugly custody battles where a desperate parent goes too far trying to keep the child. Emotions run high when kids are involved.
  • Cases of mistaken identity or false accusations. You get accused of a “kidnapping” that never even happened.
  • Robberies or carjackings where restricting a person’s movement occur while stealing their property. The confinement isn’t the main intent.
  • Gang-related kidnappings are intended to send a message and exert control through violence or threats.
  • Victims of human trafficking are transported through town against their will.

Kidnapping Penalties Under Colorado Law

If convicted of kidnapping in Colorado, the penalties can be severe depending on the degree and circumstances of the offense. The table below provides a quick reference summarizing key kidnapping charges, classifications, sentencing ranges, and fines outlined in Colorado statutes:

Charge Statute Felony Class Possible Penalties Presumptive Sentencing Range Fines
First Degree Kidnapping 18-3-301(2) Class 1 Life in Prison Life in prison
First Degree Kidnapping 18-3-301(3) Class 2 Up to 48 years in prison 8-24 years in prison $5,000 – $1,000,000
Second Degree Kidnapping 18-3-302(3) Class 2 Up to 48 years in prison 8-24 years in prison $5,000 – $1,000,000
Second Degree Kidnapping 18-3-302(4) Class 3 Up to 32 years in prison 4-16 years in prison $3,000 – $750,000
Second Degree Kidnapping 18-3-302(5) Class 4 Up to 16 years in prison 2-6 years in prison $2,000 – $500,000
False Imprisonment 18-3-303(2) Class 5 Up to 8 years in prison 1-4 years in prison $1,000 – $100,000
False Imprisonment 18-3-303(2) Class 2 misdemeanor  Up to 120 days in jail 0 – 120 days in jail Up to $750

Elements of a Kidnapping Conviction in Colorado

To secure a kidnapping conviction in Colorado, prosecutors must prove these key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • You took the alleged victim from one place to another;
  • You did so forcibly, secretly, or by threat;
  • You did so without the victim’s consent;
  • The victim was forced or made to stay somewhere against their will;
  • You intended to confine the victim and had an awareness of your actions.

If the prosecution fails to establish each element of kidnapping beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot legally be convicted. A skilled criminal defense attorney will scrutinize the state’s evidence for any missing or weak links that create reasonable doubt.

How Can an Experienced Defense Lawyer Fight Back?

When facing such terrifying accusations, it helps to have a knowledgeable defense attorney critique the charges.

They can often find plausible defenses, for example:

  • You had no criminal intent – it was an accident, or there was a lawful purpose behind your actions.
  • No actual confinement meeting the legal definition ever occurred.
  • You were protecting a child from immediate harm as a parent.
  • You had to act under duress or necessity – there was no reasonable alternative.
  • It was a case of mistaken identity – you were misidentified.
  • You have an alibi placing you elsewhere at the time.
  • The evidence is too weak or contradictory to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Skilled lawyers know how to pick apart the prosecution’s case and raise effective defenses. Don’t give up hope.

What’s Involved in Building Your Kidnapping Defense?

Successfully defending against kidnapping charges requires a multi-faceted approach:

  • Thoroughly investigating the allegations and accusations made against you, looking for inconsistencies or exonerating evidence. Finding witnesses or records that support your innocence is key.
  • Hiring expert witnesses in areas like psychology or law enforcement procedures to rebut the prosecution’s claims as needed. Their testimony can undermine the state’s version of events.
  • Negotiating firmly but strategically with the District Attorney’s office to get charges dismissed pre-trial or at least reduced through a favorable plea bargain. Leveraging weaknesses in their case is crucial.
  • Rigorously preparing for trial with meticulous attention to detail and courtroom skills. Going before a jury may be necessary if a plea deal cannot be reached.

The right lawyer for a kidnapping case understands your unique situation and builds a defense tailored to the specific facts and allegations. At Right Law Group, no stone is left unturned in representing your interests at every critical phase.

Seize the Moment – Call for Aggressive Defense in Castle Rock, CO

With over 30 years of criminal law experience, including many complex kidnapping cases, Right Law Group has what it takes to advocate for you effectively.
Specifically, we offer:

  • Deep understanding of Colorado’s kidnapping statutes and defense strategies that have proven successful for clients facing such charges.
  • Strong working relationships with key players in the local justice system, like judges and prosecutors. These connections can be invaluable.
  • A proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious felony charges in Castle Rock courts. Past performance inspires confidence.
  • Passionate commitment to securing the best possible resolution of your case, whether that means dismissed charges, acquittal at trial, or minimized penalties through assertive negotiation.

When your freedom is on the line, you need legal advocates who know the system and what it takes to effectively challenge severe criminal allegations. At Right Law Group, we have the skills and experience to vigorously defend your rights and future.

If you or a loved one are facing kidnapping charges, we strongly encourage scheduling a free case evaluation right away. Having legal guidance in your corner from the earliest moments after an arrest is absolutely critical.

Don’t go through this alone. The stakes are too high. With an aggressive defense strategy from day one, the worst-case scenarios can be avoided. Contact Right Law Group now so we can start protecting your rights and building your strongest defense.

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What should I do if I'm being questioned by police about a kidnapping?

Do not answer any questions without your criminal defense lawyer present. Be polite but unequivocally invoke your right to remain silent and to have counsel. What you say can be used against you. An attorney can handle interactions with police and prosecutors.

What if I was falsely accused of kidnapping?

If you are wrongly accused, an attorney can investigate the charges and accusers to show there is no supporting evidence or motive. With no proof you committed any crime, charges should be dismissed. A skilled lawyer knows how to build a strong defense against false allegations. Don’t hesitate to push back.

Can the kidnapping charges be reduced?

Often yes. There are a few ways charges can potentially be reduced:

  • From 1st to 2nd-degree kidnapping based on not trying to extort the victim.
  • If the detention was very brief, charges may be reduced to false imprisonment.
  • Mitigating circumstances like no weapons or harm to the victim may result in lowered charges.
  • A plea bargain may involve pleading guilty to a lesser included offense.

Should I just plead guilty and avoid trial?

Pleading guilty to felony kidnapping charges should absolutely be a last resort. The consequences will follow you for life. A skilled attorney will exhaust every effort to build an aggressive defense before advising you to accept a guilty plea and serve prison time. Don’t give up the fight for your future without exploring your options first.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Finding the Right Criminal Defense Law Firm to Handle Your Colorado Kidnapping Charges

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Facing check fraud accusations in Castle Rock can disrupt your life and forever alter your future. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Right Law Group has helped thousands resolve criminal charges across Colorado – and we’re relentless when it comes to defending our clients’ freedom and reputations.
Our team of former prosecutors and District Attorneys brings decades of combined experience, an intimate understanding of Colorado law, and a proven track record of achieving dismissals, acquittals, and favorable outcomes in check fraud cases. We know what it takes to protect your rights, expose flaws in the state’s case, and craft an ironclad defense on your behalf.

Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. Right Law Group has your back. With 3 locations to serve you, our dedicated lawyers are ready to fight for the best possible result in your case. Don’t wait – contact Right Law Group online for a free consultation today. Our team is standing by 24/7 – because your future is on the line.

Areas Served

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El Paso County

Douglas County

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Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville