What Constitutes Kidnapping in Minnesota?
Kidnapping in Minnesota is a crime that occurs when a person confines or removes any person without that person’s consent in order to commit the following:
- hold for ransom or as a hostage;
- as a way to commit a felony or flee from a felony;
- to terrorize the victim or another, or commit great bodily harm;
- to hold in involuntary servitude.
Even if granted consent from a person younger than 16 years old, a person is guilty of kidnapping when they take the youth without the consent of that youth’s parents or other legal custodian. ((Minn. Stat. § 609.25).
What are the penalties for kidnapping?
Kidnapping is a felony but the penalties depend on how the kidnapped victim is released, if the victim is released without physical injury, and the victim’s age:
- If the victim is released in a safe place without great bodily harm, the sentence will be no more than 20 years in prison or $35,000 fine, or both.
- If the victim is not released in a safe place, or actually suffers great bodily harm, or is under the age of 16, the sentence will be no more than 40 years in prison or a $50,000 fine, or both.
Kidnapping is a serious crime in Minnesota. If you have been charged with kidnapping, it is important that you have an experienced lawyer to defend your rights.