Passaic County NJ Kidnapping Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Lawyer with Offices in Totowa and Denville, New Jersey
Alissa D. Hascup is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who represents clients throughout New Jersey, including Paterson, Wayne, Clifton, Totowa, Morristown, Denville, and Dover, who have been charged with kidnapping related offenses such as false imprisonment, criminal coercion, and luring.
She has successfully handled thousands of cases in New Jersey, in both Superior Court (indictable/felony level offenses) and Municipal Court (disorderly persons/misdemeanor level offenses). Ms. Hascup is a former Special Deputy Attorney General and Assistant County Prosecutor. During her time with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, she prosecuted a number of criminal cases ranging from murder and aggravated assault to robbery and child abuse.
Ms. Hascup understands the importance of an aggressive defense when you are facing serious criminal charges. She stands ready to attack the State’s case and fight vigorously on your behalf for the best possible result.
Contact Alissa D. Hascup anytime for an initial consultation, which is always provided free of charge. She is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
Kidnapping in New Jersey: N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1
Kidnapping is codified under N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1, which provides that:
a. Holding for ransom, reward or as a hostage. A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from the place where he is found or if he unlawfully confines another with the purpose of holding that person for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage.
b. Holding for other purposes. A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from his place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he is found, or if he unlawfully confines another for a substantial period, with any of the following purposes:
- To facilitate commission of any crime or flight thereafter;
- To inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another;
- To interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or
- To permanently deprive a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of custody of the victim.
Consequences of a Kidnapping Conviction in New Jersey
Under certain extraordinary circumstances, Kidnapping is a crime of the first degree, punishable by a period of incarceration between 25 years and life, of which the actor shall be required to serve 25 years before being eligible for parole; or a term of 25 years during the entirety of which the actor shall not be eligible for parole.
Otherwise, Kidnapping is a crime of the first degree, punishable by a period of incarceration between 15 and 30 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% to be served under the No Early Release Act ( NERA ).
If the actor releases the victim unharmed and in a safe place prior to apprehension, it is a crime of the second degree, punishable by between 5 and 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, with 85% to be served under NERA.
Note that Kidnapping, like Murder, has sentencing provisions different from the general sentencing provisions applicable to other first degree crimes.
Contact a Passaic County NJ Kidnapping Lawyer to Build Your Defense
If you find yourself in a situation where you have been charged with Kidnapping, it is critical that you contact a lawyer immediately. The collateral consequences of a Kidnapping conviction are life-altering. Alissa D. Hascup can help. Call or email Ms. Hascup now for a free, initial consultation.
