Kidnapping, Custodial Interference & Unlawful Detention
Experienced criminal defense lawyer in Utah
Kidnapping charges typically hinge on the willingness of a person to accompany the accused individual. This issue becomes even more complicated when the person is a child, and consent is blurred by factors of age as well as custodial orders. When you are charged with kidnapping, custodial interference or unlawful detention, attorney Harold Stone knows how to fight for your acquittal.
Fighting your kidnapping charges
In half of all kidnapping cases, the accused individual is a family member. Some parents may urge their teens to disregard the terms of a custody order, believing that their children are capable of making their own decisions about who to live with. However, the misdemeanor charge of custodial interference becomes a felony kidnapping charge if the child is either:
- More than 15 years old
- Taken across state lines
Regardless of the nature of your kidnapping charges, defense attorney Harold Stone works to cast doubt on your intent to commit the crime of kidnapping and questions the credibility of any adult accusers.
Handling an accusation of custodial interference
The charge of custodial interference is commonly applied to parents who violate the terms of a custody agreement and keep their child substantially longer than allowed. In some instances, there may have been an honest misunderstanding by one parent about the schedule. In other cases, a parent fearing for a child's well-being and safety may make the choice to keep the child with good cause. When you are charged with custodial interference, Provo criminal defense attorney Harold Stone fights to have your charges dismissed.
Beating your charges of unlawful detention
Unlawful detention in Utah is defined as detaining or restraining a person under circumstances that fall short of kidnapping. This language is broad, and easily subject to interpretation. You may be charged with unlawful detention for simple acts such as:
- Blocking the door to your home during an argument with your spouse
- Keeping your child for an hour longer than the custody agreement allows
Harold Stone makes a forceful case for your innocence.
Get help with charges of kidnapping, custodial interference or unlawful detention
There are two sides to every story. Your side will be heard, and you can beat your kidnapping or related charges. Call attorney Harold Stone in Salt Lake City at 1-801-913-7055, or contact the firm online to schedule your initial consultation.
