top of page

Available 24/7.  Handling cases throughout all of New Jersey.

FREE consultations via zoom, in person, or by phone.

Kidnapping

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content.

New Jersey Kidnapping Criminal Defense Attorney


Kidnapping is a very serious offense in New Jersey and a Kidnapping conviction can have devastating consequences including jail or prison time.  It can also impact employment, housing, finances, education, reputation, and relationships.  Because of this, it is crucial to have an experienced, skilled, and aggressive attorney by your side. 


Ms. Denholtz is a fierce criminal defense trial attorney with over a decade of experience.  Ms. Denholtz offers relentless advocacy, strategic defense, and exceptional service to clients accused of Kidnapping.  At Denholtz Criminal Defense, you can trust that your case will receive the meticulous attention and tireless advocacy it deserves.  If you or a loved one are facing Kidnapping charges, Ms. Denholtz is ready to fight for you. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your FREE consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.


Kidnapping (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1)


Holding for Ransom, Reward, or as a Hostage:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(a), a person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another person from the place where he is found OR if he unlawfully confines another with the purpose of holding that person for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage.


Holding for Other Purposes:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(b), a person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from his place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he is found, or if he unlawfully confines another for a substantial period, with any of the following purposes:

  • To facilitate commission of any crime or flight thereafter;

  • To inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another;

  • To interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or

  • To permanently deprive a parent, guardian, or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim.


“Unlawful Removal or Confinement” Defined:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(d), a removal or confinement is unlawful within the meaning of this section if it is accomplished by force, threat, or deception.  In the case of a person who is under the age of 14 or is incompetent, an unlawful removal or confinement occurs if it is accomplished without the consent of a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for general supervision of his welfare.


Grading of Kidnapping:


1st Degree Offense:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c), kidnapping is a crime in the 1st degree, with a potential sentence of 15 – 30 years.

 

2nd Degree Offense:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c), if the actor releases the victim unharmed and in a safe place prior to apprehension then the kidnapping is a crime of the 2nd degree with a potential sentence of 5 – 10 years.

 

Kidnapping of a Child Under Age 16:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c), kidnapping is a crime of the 1st degree if the kidnapping victim is under the age of 16 AND during the kidnapping the actor commits sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, endangers the welfare of the child, or sells/delivers the victim to another person for pecuniary gain.  The potential punishment for this offense is a term in prison of 25 years without eligibility for release OR a term of 25 years to life with a 25-year parole ineligibility period.

 

Kidnapping and Homicide:  Under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1(c), if the actor is convicted of homicide of the victim of kidnapping, then any sentence imposed for the kidnapping must be served consecutively to any sentence imposed for homicide.


Contact a New Jersey Kidnapping

Lawyer for a Free Consultation


If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.  At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation.  No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation.  Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

Capture.JPG

Request a Free Consultation

Thanks for submitting!

© 2025 Denholtz Criminal Defense. Powered and secured by Wix

Disclaimer: The materials on this website are intended for informational purposes only.  The materials on this website are not intended to be, nor should they be interpreted as, legal advice or opinion.  The reader should not rely on the information presented here for any purpose, and should always seek the legal advice of competent counsel in the appropriate jurisdiction for advice regarding your individual case.  We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail.  Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.  Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.                

bottom of page