Mr. Shafran is an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney. He is a partner and head of the criminal defense division at Weinstein Legal. As a lawyer with years of experience in the Florida court system, he can help fight your case and will work tirelessly to prove your innocence. Whether this is your first-ever criminal offense or you're a repeat offender, there is hope. However, you must act quickly to begin building your defense.
Weinstein Legal Team provides free and confidential case evaluations, with absolutely no obligation. Review the unique facts surrounding your arrest and subsequent charges, discuss your criminal history, and learn more about possible penalties and sentencing as they relate to your court case. Then, learn more about the best next steps to move forward and begin building your defense with false imprisonment and kidnapping defense lawyer Matt Shafran and the team at Weinstein Legal.
For your free case evaluation call (954)845-0505. Our phones are open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week including holidays.
Penalties for Kidnapping Offenses
Florida state statute 787.01 outlines the definition of kidnapping, the severity of the charge based on circumstance, as well as penalty and sentencing possibilities upon conviction. It's important to know that all kidnapping charges in the state of Florida are felonies. Depending on other factors relevant to the crime kidnapping may either be a first-degree felony or a life felony in the state of Florida.
Due to the severity of the charge as well as the seriousness of possible consequences if a court convicts you, it is imperative that you seek legal representation from an experienced kidnapping defense lawyer such as Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal right away.
First-Degree Felony Kidnapping in Florida
According to Florida state law, kidnapping by definition is "forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against her or his will and without lawful authority."
It is a first-degree felony if you kidnap another person with the intent to:
- Hold that individual hostage for ransom or a reward
- Use the person as a shield
- Facilitate the commission of any felony
- Inflict bodily harm or terrorize that person or another person
- Interfere with government or political function
Penalties for first-degree felony kidnapping in Florida include:
- Up to 30 years in state prison
- Court fines of up to $10,000
- Mandated restitution paid to the victim
- A restraining order forbidding contact with the victim
- Loss of voting rights
- A mandate to forfeit your firearms and weapons to authorities
- And more
Life Felony Kidnapping in Florida
Life felony kidnapping is an upgraded, more serious classification of kidnapping in the state of Florida. As a more serious criminal classification, the penalties are also more severe.
It is a life felony if your crime involves:
- The kidnapping of an individual under the age of 13
AND YOU:
- Commit aggravated child abuse during the act
- Commit sexual battery against the child
- Commit lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, or lewd or lascivious exhibition against or in the presence of the child
- Participate in child exploitation or allow the child to be exploited
- Commit certain acts relating to prostitution
- Commit certain acts in violation of human trafficking laws
Penalties for life felony kidnapping in Florida include:
- Life in prison
- Court fines of up to $15,000
- Restitution to the victim(s)
- A restraining order forbidding contact with the victim
- Loss of voting rights
- A mandate to forfeit your firearms and weapons to authorities
- And more
Penalties for False Imprisonment Offenses
The legal definition of false imprisonment in the state of Florida, according to statute 787.02 is "forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without lawful authority and against her or his will."
False imprisonment charges in Florida are a third-degree felony. If a minor under the age of 13 is the victim the charge is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Third-Degree Felony False Imprisonment in Florida
- Up to 5 years in prison and up to 5 years of probation
- Court fines of up to $5,000
- Mandated restitution paid to the victim
- A restraining order forbidding contact with the victim
- Loss of voting rights
- A mandate to forfeit your firearms and weapons to authorities
- And more
Due to the seriousness of false imprisonment charges, it is imperative that you speak with a kidnapping defense attorney such as Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal immediately. It may be possible to have your charges either reduced or dismissed entirely, but you must act quickly as the prosecutor's office is working diligently to secure a conviction.
Hiring an Attorney for Kidnapping or False Imprisonment Charges
False imprisonment and kidnapping defense lawyer Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal will work diligently to formulate a case in your defense. Whether you're a repeat offender or have no past criminal history, having experienced legal representation on your side can significantly help your chances of having a favorable outcome in court.
At the Weinstein Legal Team, we work with a team of experts and professionals to help build your defense. These professionals may include private investigators, psychologists, expert testimony, and more. To begin working on your case contact us today.
Kidnapping defense lawyer Matt Shafran will provide you with an entirely free and confidential case evaluation with absolutely no obligation. Learn more about the penalties you may be facing and proper next steps to take when forming your defense. At the Weinstein Legal Team, our phones are open 24-hours a day, 365-days a year so no call for help will ever go unanswered.
