Kidnapping Defense Attorney in Utah
In Utah, a kidnapping charge can be due to criminal actions committed by a stranger, or by a parent, guardian or someone else known to the victim. The law doesn’t require that there was any criminal intent by the kidnapper, to charge him or her with a felony. Whatever the circumstances, kidnapping is a very serious criminal charge that can change the life of the accused person forever.
If you or a loved one has been wrongly charged with kidnapping, you need an experienced Utah kidnapping defense attorney to aggressively defend you.
Most kidnapping cases don’t involve helpless children being grabbed by strangers. In the vast majority of cases, kidnapping accusations are reactions of family members or other loved ones stemming from domestic incidents, or from chaotic child custody struggles during divorces. Ex-spouses or ex-lovers sometimes make kidnapping claims against innocent people, during contentious breakups.
If convicted, beyond the likely long prison and massive financial burden of fines and other penalties, there is the stigma of being a convicted felon, which follows the convict for life. Here is some information you need to know if you have been charged with kidnapping in Utah.
We know what it takes to turn experience into results. Our attorneys understand how prosecutors think, how to challenge the evidence, and when to negotiate or take your case to trial. Every strategy is built around putting you in the strongest possible position.
But we don’t just know how to win—we have a track record that proves it. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of clients represented, our results speak for themselves.
Proven Results. Relentless Defense.
A History of Successful Defenses
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Forcible Sex Abuse, Kidnapping, Assault
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Not Guilty State v. A - Not Guilty on Attempted Rape, Kidnapping & Assault
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Dismissed State v. F - Aggravated Sexual Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - DV & Aggravated Assault Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Protective Order Violation Charges Dismissed
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Dismissed State v. F - Violation of Protective Order Dismissed
What are the Types of Kidnapping Charges in Utah
There are three types of kidnapping charges under Utah criminal law: Kidnapping, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Child Kidnapping. Each of these three types of crime has its own definition. Here are the lists of what the state calls the “elements of the offense” for the three types of kidnapping crimes.
Kidnapping Charges
The crime of Kidnapping is defined under state law, Utah Criminal Code § 76-5-301 as committing one of the following actions illegally, intentionally, and (3) against the other person’s will:
- Restraining or detaining someone for a “substantial” amount of time.
- Restraining or detaining a person in some way that could have caused them a physical injury.
- Restraining or detaining a person of age 14, 15, 16, or 17 without consent from the individual’s parent.
- Forcing a person into a position of servitude.
- Taking a person across a state line, or moving the person a “substantial” distance.
- Taking any of the above action against a mentally incompetent individual, against the will of that person’s guardian.
Why Choose Wasatch Defense Lawyers
Hire at Team You Can Count On
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Largest Criminal Defense Team in the History of the State
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100+ Years of Combined Criminal Defense Experience
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Fewer than 1% of its clients have been sent to prison
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Over 650 Trials Handled
our winning strategy
4 Steps to a Positive Outcome
Every case is different. At Wasatch Defense Lawyers, we thoroughly investigate the facts, examine the evidence, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys evaluate every available option, from challenging improper procedures and suppressing evidence to negotiating reduced charges or preparing for trial. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of trials, we approach each case strategically and aggressively. Whether pursuing dismissal, reduced charges, or a favorable trial outcome, we build a defense focused on protecting your rights, freedom, and future.
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1Laying the GroundworkWe prepare before the fight begins. Decades of experience, deep legal knowledge, and strong relationships with prosecutors and judges give us the foundation to build a smarter, more targeted defense.
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2Discussing The DetailsEvery detail matters. We dig deep into your case, examining reports, records, evidence, and your side of the story to uncover the facts that can shape your defense.
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3Building Your CaseWe challenge what the prosecution thinks it knows. We scrutinize the evidence, investigate police procedures, expose weaknesses, and develop a defense strategy built specifically for your case.
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4Obtaining Positive ResultsWe pursue the outcome that puts you in the strongest position. Whether through aggressive negotiation or a meticulously prepared trial defense, we fight to reduce charges, protect your future, and achieve the best result possible.