What is kidnapping in West Virginia?
Kidnapping laws in WV define kidnapping as taking, confining or holding hostage a person by force, threat, duress, or fraud for the purposes of receiving ransom, money, or any concession.
You may be surprised to know that kidnapping can also be defined as using another person to shield and protect yourself from harm or injury.
What are the penalties for kidnapping charges in West Virginia?
Kidnapping in West Virginia is a capital offense -- a felony punishable by a possible prison sentence of life in prison without the possibility for parole.
A jury may recommend mercy, leading to the possibility of parole. Other circumstances may help reduce the life sentence, such as allowing the kidnapping victim to go free without receiving any ransom or money, or not causing or permitting any harm to come upon the kidnapped person.
Kidnapping charges in WV is one of the most serious crimes in West Virginia.
If you’re facing kidnapping charges, don’t wait to get help. Contact kidnapping lawyer Todd La Neve at La Neve Law Offices today.