Kidnapping Defense Lawyer in Winston-Salem, NC

Providing Aggressive Defense for Felony Kidnapping Charges in North Carolina

If you have been accused of kidnapping, you need an experienced lawyer to help you fight your charges. At Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A., we are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible legal defense. Our firm is led by Thomas Grace, a former prosecutor with extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. As a result, we are uniquely qualified to defend clients against kidnapping charges.

In North Carolina, kidnapping is an extremely serious offense. This crime can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the case. Felony kidnapping charges can carry harsh penalties, including prison time, probation, fines, and restitution. You may also be required to register as a sex offender, which can have a devastating impact on your life and your loved ones. As a result, it is vital to obtain the help of an experienced kidnapping lawyer in Winston-Salem, NC.

If you have been charged with this offense, contact our firm for a free case evaluation. Contact us online or at (336) 515-6552.

What Is Considered Kidnapping in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina General Statute 14-82.1, kidnapping is defined as the unlawful taking of a person from one place to another. This offense is charged as a felony if the victim is moved for more than 12 hours. Kidnapping charges may also be brought against someone who threatens to move a victim and does not follow through with that threat.

Kidnapping charges may be brought against someone who:

Carries another person away from their home or another location against their will
Restrains another person
Transports another person to another state
Keeps another person from leaving a particular location

Kidnapping is a very serious charge in North Carolina. If you have been accused of this offense, you need to contact a skilled kidnapping lawyer in Winston-Salem, NC. Mr. Grace understands the challenges you are facing, and he can help you fight your charges.

What Are the Penalties for Felony Kidnapping in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina General Statute 14-113.1, kidnapping is a Class C felony, which carries a minimum of 25 months in prison and a maximum of 44 months in prison. This offense is considered a dangerous and violent felony, which means that you may be required to serve at least 85% of your sentence before being eligible for parole. The judge may also order you to pay fines and restitution.

What Are the Consequences of Being Convicted of Felony Kidnapping?

Aside from the possibility of prison time, a conviction for felony kidnapping may result in other consequences. For example, you may be required to register as a sex offender. This designation can have a devastating impact on your life and your ability to find housing, employment, and education. In addition, a felony conviction can have lasting effects on your ability to travel, find employment, and obtain professional licenses.

What is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Kidnapping?

Kidnapping is charged as a felony if the victim is moved for more than 12 hours. If the movement is less than 12 hours, the offense is charged as a misdemeanor.

What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Kidnapping in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina General Statute 14-113, the penalties for misdemeanor kidnapping are a Class I felony, which carries a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months in prison. This offense is also considered a dangerous and violent felony, which means that you may be required to serve at least 85% of your sentence before being eligible for parole. The judge may also order you to pay fines and restitution.

Contact Our Firm for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with kidnapping, you need to contact an experienced attorney. At Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A., we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible legal defense. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Grace understands both sides of the criminal justice system, which allows him to anticipate the actions of prosecutors and develop strong defense strategies.

For a free consultation, contact our firm today at