{"id":375028,"date":"2018-03-14T14:39:01","date_gmt":"2018-03-14T19:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-kidnapping-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-01-22T10:39:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T15:39:50","slug":"new-jersey-kidnapping-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-kidnapping-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Kidnapping Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Kidnapping Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

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New Jersey kidnapping laws cover the criminal offense when an individual unlawfully removes or confines another person using force, threat, or deception. This crime includes parental abduction, ransom, holding hostages, and interference with government functions. It\u2019s categorized into first- and\u00a0second-degree. Penalties include prison sentences of fifteen years to life and substantial fines up to $200,000. Related offenses include false imprisonment and criminal restraint.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Kidnapping is an extremely serious crime that carries severe penalties. Some kidnapping<\/a> cases involve parental abductions, such as when a parent disagrees with their child <\/span>custody<\/span> order<\/span>. Others involve the abduction of a perfect stranger. Regardless of the motive or specific facts of the case, a kidnapping conviction will involve a lengthy prison sentence and, in most cases, significant fines.<\/p>\n

New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> classifies the crime of kidnapping as a crime of the first degree<\/span>. If, however, the defendant releases the victim unharmed before the arrest, then it may be a\u00a0second-degree<\/span>\u00a0offense. New Jersey<\/span>\u2019s criminal laws<\/span> also provide for enhanced penalties when certain aggravating factors are present.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains New Jersey<\/span>\u2019s kidnapping laws<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses to this crime. If you\u2019re facing kidnapping charges<\/span>, it\u2019s best to consult a local criminal defense lawyer<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible after your arrest.<\/p>\n

How New Jersey<\/span> Defines Kidnapping<\/h2>\n

New Jersey<\/span> law<\/span> defines kidnapping<\/a> as unlawfully removing someone from their residence, business, or other location that is a substantial distance<\/span> from where law enforcement finds them. Kidnapping may also involve an individual holding another person for ransom, reward, or as a shield or hostage.<\/p>\n

The New Jersey<\/span> Revised Statutes<\/a> make it illegal to confine another individual for any of the following reasons:<\/p>\n