Specialist Kidnap and False Imprisonment Lawyers
Olliers has vast experience of defending serious criminal allegations, including offences of kidnap and false imprisonment which dates back over 25 years. The firm’s reputation for committed and rigorous defence work means that we attract some of the heaviest and serious criminal cases in the country.
Kidnap
Kidnap is an offence under common law. There are four elements to the offence of kidnap namely taking of one person by another, by force/fraud, without consent and without lawful excuse. Often the offence of kidnap will be accompanied by other offences, for example, allegations of sexual assault. There is also an additional separate offence of Child Abduction.
False imprisonment
False imprisonment is an offence under common law and is distinct from kidnap as involves purely the unlawful detention of the victim and does not involve the carrying away of the victim.
Kidnap Sentencing Guidelines
The allegations are indictable only and can only be dealt with in the Crown Court and lengthy sentences are often imposed. Carefully planned abductions where the victim is used as a hostage are likely to attract sentences of in excess of eight years imprisonment. The use of violence or firearms or the presence of other aggravating features will lead to much lengthier sentences.
Olliers Solicitors – Specialist Criminal Defence Lawyers (London & Manchester)
Olliers provide specialist advice and representation throughout England and Wales.
We are the Manchester Legal Awards Crime Team of the year 2017 and are ranked as a Top Tier criminal firm in both the 2016 edition of the Legal 500 and Chambers Directory 2017.
If you are facing an allegation of kidnap or false imprisonment, contact Matthew Claughton or Max Saffman on 0161 834 1515.