{"id":372202,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:46","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/criminal-laws\/kidnapping.html"},"modified":"2025-11-13T08:11:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T13:11:16","slug":"kidnapping","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/kidnapping.html","title":{"rendered":"State Kidnapping Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n \n State Kidnapping Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Aside from homicide, kidnapping is one of the most serious crimes that can be committed. Some states recognize both the crime of kidnapping<\/span> and aggravated kidnapping<\/span>. Many states have laws differentiating between first-degree<\/span> and second-degree<\/span> kidnapping.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll examine and explain the elements of the crime of kidnapping<\/span>, as well as the defenses and penalties associated with it. If you’re facing criminal charges<\/span>, consult a local criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. Working with an experienced legal advocate can help you protect your rights and achieve a better outcome.<\/p>\n

State-Specific Kidnapping Statutes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Select a state from the list below to access state-specific definitions and statutes for kidnapping, including in-depth overviews of select states’ kidnapping offenses<\/span><\/a>, penalties, and related information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n \n
\n
\n