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Kidnapping

Kidnapping 

We Have Offices Conveniently Located in Deland and Daytona Beach 

If you have a cellphone, then you are very likely to have received an Amber Alert at some point in your life. Amber Alerts are sent out when a child goes missing, and is presumed to have been kidnapped. These alerts typically include a description of the child, a description of the alleged kidnapper, and a description of the vehicle they are likely to be traveling in. While we are all familiar with that text that sets off every phone in your meeting, what exactly constitutes kidnapping? 

With offices in Deland and Daytona Beach, we’ve represented clients throughout Central Florida for over 16 years.  

Florida Statute 787.01 outlines that the term kidnapping means forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, imprisoning another person under the age of 13 against their will without lawful authority. Basically, kidnapping is the taking of a child under 13, without having the authority to do so. Kidnapping is a serious crime. Like all crimes, there are degrees of severity associated with the crime of kidnapping. It is important to know what level of charge you are facing if you are arrested for kidnapping.

According to Florida Statute, the crime of kidnapping is a first degree felony if the State is able to prove the following:

  • When a person forcibly, secretly, or by threat confines, abducts or imprisons another person under the age of 13 against their will and without lawful authority with intent to:
    • Hold for ransom or reward, as a shield or hostage
    • Commit or facilitate commission of any felony
    • Inflict bodily harm upon or to terrorize the victim or another person
    • Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function

If you are arrested for kidnapping and found guilty of a first degree felony, the consequences you will be facing are severe. A person who is found guilty of first degree kidnapping can face up to life in prison, and a fine of $100,000. While this is a serious, life altering charge, the consequences can become even more severe. The crime of kidnapping can be a life felony if the proper criteria are met. A life felony means that if convicted, you will go to prison for life. Kidnapping becomes a life felony under the following conditions:

  • A person who commits the offense of kidnapping upon a child under the age of 13 and who, in the course of committing the offense, commits one or more of the following:
    • Aggravated child abuse
    • Sexual battery against the child
    • Lewd or lascivious batter, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, or lewd or lascivious exhibition
    • Enacts prostitution upon the child
    • Exploitation of the child or allowing the child to be exploited
    • Exposes the child to human trafficking

With so much at stake, it is crucial to have an attorney that you can trust, and that will work tirelessly to fight for you. Attorney Matthew Thompson is an experienced attorney, and will bring his years of experience to your case. Attorney Thompson takes pride in creating a defense unique to what your case needs, and will help you put your life back together after an arrest. Call Thompson Law today at (386) 280-4977, toll free at (386) 280-4977. Your consultation can be scheduled in DeLand or Daytona Beach, depending on your location, we make it easy and convenient for you to get the legal representation you need.

Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.

Working Closely with You To Build a strong case
  • Domestic Violence

    Client was texting a friend when her significant other tried to grab for her phone. When the client tried to pull away, the victim claimed that he was battered and the client was arrested and brought before DCF due a child being in the house. Attorney Matt Thompson wrote a letter to the State explaining the discrepancy in evidence and claimed that the client was in fact moving away from the victim and did not intentionally try to hit the victim. All charges against the client were dismissed.

  • Sale and Possession of Heroin

    Defendant entered a treatment facility while case was pending. Attorney Thompson provided progress reports of all of her progress during her stay to show improvement. State agreed to amend all charges to simple possession and the Defendant was sentenced into Drug Court.

  • Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

    Client was accused of shooting a shotgun over the head of two minors. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to discover that officers reported to the scene of the crime the night of the incident and spoke to the victims on the evening the alleged crime occurred and believed the victims to be intoxicated and unreliable. Attorney Thompson conducted depositions of the officers and ultimately all charges were reduced to a misdemeanor and no incarceration.

  • Grand Theft, Fleeing, Possession of a Fictitious Driver’s License

    Attorney Matt Thompson, through depositions and litigation was able to show that officers did not act according to the warrant by picking up the client immediately upon sight. The charge of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, which carries a mandatory felony conviction, was dismissed by the State and the client was offered probation and no felony conviction.

  • Sexual Battery & Domestic Battery

    Mr. Thompson took depositions of the victim showing that the victim was not truthful with police when she provided her statement as to what happened. Confronted victim with social media posts, bank records, and telephone records to show that she was not in the places that she stated she was during the time the alleged crime took place. Case 1 was dismissed and the Defendant pled to Case 2 and received two (2) years of prison and credit for fifteen (15) months in prison.

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GIVE YOUR CASE THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES

  • Over 15 Years of Experience
    There's no substitute for experience. When faced with a serious crime, you need an attorney who has successfully handled numerous cases like yours.
  • Aggressive Trial Attorney
    Matt Thompson is a skilled trial attorney and has achieved many positive jury verdicts. If your case goes to trial, you can be confident that Matt is equipped to represent you.
  • High-Quality Legal Representation
    At Thompson Law, P.A., every client matters. This means that your case will receive the personal attention and care it deserves.
  • Criminal Defense Is All We Do
    Because our firm only focuses on criminal defense matters, you can trust our team has the specific knowledge needed to handle you case successfully.

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