Kidnapping Charges in Pennsylvania: A Closer Look
Kidnapping is one of the most serious criminal charges in Pennsylvania and can result in decades in prison if convicted. Whether the allegations stem from a domestic dispute, custody disagreement, or alleged abduction, these charges demand a strong, strategic defense.
Mark D. Hauser
7/30/20251 min read
What Is Kidnapping?
Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2901, kidnapping involves unlawfully removing someone a substantial distance or confining them with the intent to:
Hold them for ransom
Facilitate or flee another felony
Inflict injury or terror
Interfere with government functions or parental rights
Even parental kidnapping — taking your own child in violation of a custody order — can result in criminal charges.
Penalties for Kidnapping in Pennsylvania
Kidnapping is classified as a first-degree felony, carrying:
Up to 20 years in prison
Fines up to $25,000
Additional penalties if other crimes were committed (assault, sexual assault, etc.)
If the victim was under 18 or if serious bodily harm occurred, the consequences can be even more severe.
Common Defenses to Kidnapping Charges
A skilled criminal defense lawyer may use one or more of the following defenses:
✅ Consent – The alleged victim agreed to go with you voluntarily.
✅ No substantial movement or confinement – The distance or time involved does not meet the legal threshold.
✅ Parental rights – In custody-related cases, we may challenge the court's interpretation of "unlawful removal."
✅ Mistaken identity – You were wrongly identified or falsely accused.
These cases often depend on witness statements, GPS or phone data, and context. We work to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory and present your side clearly and persuasively.
📞 Contact Mark D. Hauser, criminal defense attorney, today for a confidential case evaluation.