Crimes for Kidnapping in Pinellas County
Florida Statute Section 787.01(1) defines “kidnapping” to mean:
- forcibly, secretly, or by threat;
- confining, abducting, or imprisoning;
- another person;
- against that person’s will;
- without lawful authority;
- with intent to:
- hold the victim for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage;
- commit or facilitate the commission of any felony;
- inflict bodily harm upon or to terrorize the victim or another person; or
- interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.
In Pinellas County, FL, the crimes of kidnapping might also be called “abducting.” Within the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, detectives in the Investigative Operations Bureau or Patrol Operations Bureau investigate these serious charges.
Related charges might include false imprisonment, domestic violence battery, or luring or enticing a child.
Attorney for Kidnapping Crimes in Pinellas County, FL
If you were accused of kidnapping in Pinellas County, FL, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients accused of the most serious crimes of violence, including kidnapping and false imprisonment. Our office is located in Clearwater, FL, just a few blocks from the courthouse and jail.
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the best defenses in these cases. Visit our office at 14010 Roosevelt Blvd, Suite 701, Clearwater, FL 33762.
Call 727-210-7004.
Criminal Penalties for Kidnapping Crimes in Pinellas County, FL
The crime of kidnapping is a first-degree felony, ranked as a Level 10 offense on the offense severity ranking chart (OSRC). Although most first-degree felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a fine of $10,000, a person convicted of kidnapping can be sentenced to prison for a term of years not exceeding life as explained in Section 787.01(2), F.S.
A person who kidnaps a child under the age of 13 and who, in the course of committing the kidnapping, also commits one or more of the following is guilty of a life felony:
- Aggravated child abuse;
- Human trafficking;
- Sexual battery against the child;
- Lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, or lewd or lascivious exhibition;
- Prostitution of the child; or
- Exploitation of the child or allowing the child to be exploited.
A life felony is punishable by a term of imprisonment up to life and a fine of $15,000.
When the kidnapping offense involves the confinement of a child under the age of 13, the confinement is considered to be against the child’s will if the confinement is without the consent of his or her parent or legal guardian, as explained in Section 787.01(1)(b), F.S.
Read more about prosecutions for kidnapping in Florida.
This article was last updated on Thursday, July 2, 2025.
