annapolis kidnapping criminal defense attorney

Knowledgeable Annapolis Kidnapping Defense Attorney Protects Your Rights

Fighting for the futures of Maryland defendants facing serious charges

The state of Maryland issues kidnapping charges in a wide range of circumstances, from parental abductions to elaborate ransom plots. A conviction is serious and the penalties can prove severe, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Conviction of first-degree kidnapping can result in up to 30 years in prison, creating unthinkable hardship for you and your family.

My name is Gill Andrew Cochran, and I am an experienced Annapolis kidnapping defense attorney. I know how much you have to lose. That’s why my team at Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law aggressively fights for your rights in your kidnapping case.

Aggressive representation in the Maryland courts

When facing kidnapping charges, it’s important to understand the state’s accusations against you. Under the Maryland law, a conviction for the crime of kidnapping requires three things:

  • Restraining an individual’s freedom. The state must prove that you took away the victim’s freedom to leave. For example, law enforcement may allege that you tied a person up or concealed an individual within the trunk of a car.
  • Holding a person against their will. The state must also prove that the accused completed the action without the consent of the victim. For this reason, kidnapping generally involves some form of force, threat of force, or fraud.
  • Carrying the victim to another place. Lastly, the state must prove that you moved or carried the victim from one location to another location within or outside of the state of Maryland.

Maryland also has a child kidnapping law, which makes it illegal to take a child under 12 years old away from the custody of his or her legal guardian by force, fraud, or enticement. The statute also prohibits a person from harboring an abducted child.

Defending your innocence against kidnapping allegations can prove challenging. A knowledgeable Annapolis abduction attorney knows how to counter the state’s evidence against you and present a viable defense. Mistake, consent, and duress are all possible defenses to a kidnapping charge. At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I examine the details of your specific case to determine the best possible outcome. I then work diligently to pursue that outcome, whether that involves negotiations with the state or a full trial.

Experienced representation for federal kidnapping charges

At the federal level, kidnapping charges generally apply to the taking of a person across state lines. Federal law enforcement may also get involved if the alleged victim is a federal official or the US mail system was used in the commission of the crime. Federal kidnapping is classified as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Such a serious punishment requires a serious defense. Trust your case to a skilled Annapolis kidnapping defense lawyer with the experience you need.

Contact a seasoned Annapolis kidnapping defense attorney today

At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I have years of experience defending individuals in state and federal court. I pride myself on providing each and every client with an honest and effective defense to the charges against his or her. If you are facing allegations of kidnapping within the Maryland or federal courts, call me at 410-271-1892 or complete my contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.

And remember: Keep Calm – and Call Drew.