Kidnapping may seem like a crime straight out the movies, but in real life it can be much less dramatic.
Even if the crime doesn’t always involve snatching kids off of the street, violating Wagoner, Oklahoma kidnapping laws can still lead to decades behind bars.
Defining Wagoner, Oklahoma Kidnapping Laws
The city of Wagoner, Oklahoma kidnapping laws are the same as the state statutes.
In Oklahoma, kidnapping is defined as anyone who intentionally does one of the following:
- Causes another person to be confined or imprisoned in this state against their will;
- Causes another person to be sent out of this state against their will; or
- Causes another person to be sold as a slave, or in any way held to service against their will.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 741
Securing a Conviction
In order to be found guilty of the crime of kidnapping, a prosecutor must prove each element of the four elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecutor must first prove that someone suspected of kidnapping:
- unlawfully
- seized, confined, inveigled, decoyed, kidnapped, abducted, or carried away
- another person
- with the intent to confine that person, imprison that person, send that person out of the state, sell that person as a slave, or hold that person to service against that person’s will.
Only if the prosecutor presents evidence to prove each of these elements can a defendant be convicted of violating Oklahoma kidnapping laws.
Although a prosecutor must prove that the kidnapping occurred against the other person’s will, it is not a defense that they consented, unless the defendant can provide enough evidence to establish this to be true.
Penalties for Kidnapping
Kidnapping is a felony charge punishable with up to 20 years in prison.
Someone convicted of the crime in Oklahoma may face additional years if the kidnapping involved sexual abuse or assault.
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Felony Defense Attorney
Kidnapping is a very serious charge and should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know has been charged with this crime, contact a Wagoner felony defense attorney.
Call 918-485-0335 today to discuss your possible defenses and legal options.
