Kidnapping Defense in Milwaukee

Put 43 Years of Combined Experience Behind Your Defense

We defend people facing kidnapping charges by examining the conduct, intent, and evidence behind the accusation. At Ritter Law Office, LLP, we dedicate our practice to defending individuals charged with crimes in Milwaukee. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of trials, and we build each defense around the client’s circumstances, needs, and goals.

Contact us at (414) 441-4321 to discuss a kidnapping allegation and the legal options available in your case.

How Wisconsin Defines Kidnapping

Wisconsin Statute Section 940.31(1) covers carrying a person from one place to another without consent through force, the threat of imminent force, or deceit when the required intent is present. The movement doesn’t have to cover a long distance. Moving someone from one part of a building to another can satisfy this element.

The statute also covers seizing or confining someone by force or an imminent threat of force. Confinement means intentionally and unlawfully restraining another person’s physical liberty without consent. The prosecution must also allege an intent to secretly confine or imprison the person, take the person out of Wisconsin, or hold that person to service against their will.

Class B & Class C Kidnapping Penalties

Kidnapping under Wisconsin Statute Section 940.31(1) is generally a Class C felony. The statutory maximum for this classification is 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. These are maximum penalties, not a prediction of the sentence in a particular case.

The offense becomes a Class B felony when the alleged conduct is intended to cause another person to transfer property to obtain the victim’s release. A Class B felony carries a statutory maximum of 60 years in prison. The offense is classified as a Class C felony if the victim is released without permanent physical injury before the first witness is sworn at trial.

Child Abduction & Custody Interference

Child abduction and kidnapping are separate Wisconsin offenses with different elements. Wisconsin Statute Section 948.30 addresses taking or detaining a child for an unlawful purpose by someone other than the child’s parent or legal guardian. Child abduction is generally a Class E felony but is elevated to Class C when force or threats are used.

Interference with custody is also a separate charge. Its application depends on its statutory elements, custodial authority, and the facts surrounding the alleged conduct. We review the charging language and applicable statute before assessing which offense the evidence may support.

Key Defense Issues in a Kidnapping Case

A kidnapping defense starts with the elements the prosecution must prove, not simply how investigators describe the incident. We compare witness statements and physical or digital evidence with each element. This review can reveal disputes about intent, consent, confinement, movement, or identity.

Important issues in the defense analysis can include:

• Intent: Whether the evidence proves the specific unlawful purpose required by the kidnapping statute.
• Consent: Whether the person agreed to the alleged movement or confinement.
• Identification: Whether witness accounts and identification evidence reliably connect the accused person to the conduct.
• Admissibility: Whether constitutional violations affect the prosecution’s ability to use particular evidence in court.

After evaluating the evidence, we explore the defense strategies supported by the facts. Depending on the case, we may negotiate for a lesser charge or dismissal or fight the allegations at trial. The evidence and procedural history determine which options are available, so no particular resolution can be promised.

How Kidnapping Cases Proceed in Milwaukee Courts

The Milwaukee County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over felony criminal cases. Before recommending a course of action, we examine the charging allegations, the prosecution’s theory, and the supporting evidence. A case may proceed through negotiation or trial based on those factors and the client’s informed decisions.

Our familiarity with Milwaukee district attorneys and judges helps us assess likely paths and potential outcomes in criminal cases. We work to protect each client’s rights and future while preparing for the possibility of trial. When negotiation is appropriate, we pursue a resolution without treating any result as guaranteed.

Discuss Your Kidnapping Charge with Our Attorneys

We offer reasonable fees and work with clients and their families to arrange flexible payments. Our contact form is available for written inquiries about representation. We provide a case-specific assessment and explain the available next steps.

Call (414) 441-4321 to speak with us about kidnapping defense in Milwaukee.