Aggravated Kidnapping

From the Law Office of Alison Grinter in Dallas, Texas

1 Degree
2 Statute(s)
3 Caselaw
4 Collateral Consequences
5 Notes

Degree

It is a first degree felony knowingly to abduct another with the intent to hold him for ransom, use him for a shield or hostage, facilitate the commission, attempt, or flight from a felony, abuse him, terrorize him or another, or interfere with any government or political function.

At the punishment phase, if the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that he voluntarily released the victim in a safe place, the aggravated kidnapping is a second degree felony.

In certain circumstances, Aggravated Kidnapping is subject to an Automatic Life Sentence.

Statute(s)

§ 20.04. AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING.

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly abducts another person with the intent to:

(1) hold him for ransom or reward;

(2) use him as a shield or hostage;

(3) facilitate the commission of a felony or the flight after the attempt or commission of a felony;

(4) inflict bodily injury on him or violate or abuse him sexually;

(5) terrorize him or a third person; or

(6) interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly abducts another person and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense.

(d) At the punishment stage of a trial, the defendant may raise the issue as to whether he voluntarily released the victim in a safe place. If the defendant proves the issue in the affirmative by a preponderance of the evidence, the offense is a felony of the second degree.

Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 883, ch. 399, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 900, § 1.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 318, § 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.