North Texas Attorney for Charges of Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint
Being accused of kidnapping or unlawfully restraining a child is a frightening experience that can carry lifelong consequences. These charges are treated seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors, and a conviction could mean years behind bars, steep fines, and a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.
At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we know that these cases often stem from miscommunications or emotional conflicts, especially in family-related situations. Many cases arise from child custody disputes or protective parenting decisions that are misunderstood by authorities. With over 20 years of legal experience and more than 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts, Attorney Darlina Crowder and our experienced team will aggressively defend your rights and seek the best possible result for your case.
Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Defined in Texas Law
The Texas Penal Code defines a range of offenses that fall under unlawful restraint or kidnapping. These charges vary in severity, but when a minor is involved, penalties increase significantly. For example, unlawfully restraining a child without the parent’s or legal guardian’s consent is classified as a state jail felony. If the act exposes the child to a serious risk of injury, the offense rises to a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
If prosecutors believe that you abducted a person, meaning you hid or confined them with threats or force, you could be charged with kidnapping, a third-degree felony. This could apply even in cases involving misunderstandings about parental rights or family matters.
Charges may be escalated to aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony, if the prosecution believes the abduction was done to:
Demand a ransom;
Use the victim as a shield or hostage;
Commit or escape from another felony;
Cause bodily harm or sexual abuse;
Intimidate the victim or others; or
Disrupt government or politics.
A conviction for aggravated kidnapping can lead to life imprisonment. However, the charge may be reduced to a second-degree felony if the victim is safely released.
Representation for Federal Kidnapping Allegations in Denton County and Beyond
While most child abduction charges are prosecuted at the state level, some cases fall under federal jurisdiction—especially when there’s evidence that the alleged victim was transported across state lines. Federal charges come with more serious penalties, often starting with 20-year prison sentences and increasing based on the facts of the case. Our firm has the knowledge and litigation experience to represent you in both state and federal courts, no matter how complex your case may be.
Strategic Defense for Accusations of Child Abduction in Dallas and Collin County
At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we firmly believe in the constitutional presumption of innocence. Facing kidnapping allegations can be overwhelming, but our legal team is ready to stand with you at every step. From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll be treated with compassion, honesty, and respect. We’ll thoroughly investigate every aspect of your arrest and the accusations against you, identify legal weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and construct a powerful defense.
Whether you’re facing unfounded accusations or a misunderstanding with severe consequences, our legal team will fight hard to defend your rights and freedom.
Call 817-936-3167 for Trusted Legal Help Today
If you’ve been accused of child abduction or unlawful restraint, don’t wait to take action. Contact our Plano office to schedule a free, private consultation today by calling 817-936-3167. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals in Plano, McKinney, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Frisco, Denton, and throughout North Texas.
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