Georgia Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping

Authorities in Cobb County have arrested a local Atlanta man for allegedly attempting to kidnap two women from a local pharmacy.

The man was arrested on two counts of attempted kidnapping and false statements, is being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the criminal offense of kidnapping in the state of Georgia. If you would like more clarity on what a criminal attempt is classified as, look at our page on attempt in Georgia.

Kidnapping in Georgia

Kidnapping in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-5-40 as:

A person commits the offense of kidnapping when such person abducts or steals away another person without lawful authority or warrant and holds such other person against his or her will.

Georgia Law states that even just a slight movement is sufficient to constitute a crime. That action is also called asportation.

A kidnapping conviction is classified as a felony conviction. The consequences for kidnapping a victim who is 14 years or older include a prison term between ten and twenty years. However, if the victim is under 14 years old, then the penalty is elevated to either a life sentence or a prison term between twenty years but less than life with probation for life after getting out of prison. A suspect will receive life in prison or the death penalty if the kidnapping was for ransom or if the victim received bodily injury.

Repeat offenders will receive longer prison sentences. Moreover, a fourth felony conviction will carry a penalty of life in prison with no chance of parole.

Practice Note

Kidnapping and other charges of crimes against people are handled seriously in the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully accused, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today.

The reality is that just because someone has been accused of committing a crime is guilty of committing that particular crime.