Georgia Man Held in Jail on a $2.2 Million Bond for Alleged Kidnap

A Macon man has been arrested in Florida on kidnapping charges as well as charges of:

• Sexual Battery in Georgia
• Robbery in Georgia
• Obstruction in Georgia

As well as some other charges. His name is Willie Harvey, and he is being held on a $2.2 million dollar bond after being accused of kidnapping a woman from Tifton County and driving her across state lines against her will.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the criminal offense of kidnapping as it is the focus of the criminal situation above. It is also worth noting, however, that even though Harvey has been accused, arrested, and held on a high bond, he has not been convicted. Therefore, it has yet to be determined whether or not Harvey actually committed the offenses listed above.

Kidnapping in Georgia

Kidnapping in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law 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.

The elements of kidnapping as laid out in Georgia law state that just a slight movement is sufficient to constitute a crime. That action is legally referred to as asportation. 

Kidnapping convictions carry substantial penalties. Kidnapping is classified as a felony offense in the state of Georgia 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 tend to receive even longer prison sentences. Furthermore, a fourth conviction will be a felony conviction that carries a penalty of life in prison with no chance of parole.

Practice Note

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I mention frequently how felony convictions should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one has been arrested, please contact our offices today. A criminal conviction is life altering.