We Fight to Protect Your Rights

Every minute counts when a child is lost. As adults, the law expects you to take reasonable steps to care for the child and ensure their safety. Still, a well-intentioned act to help can quickly land you in legal trouble.
Under certain circumstances, you may encounter kidnapping accusations after trying to lend a helping hand to a lost child. It is crucial to safeguard yourself against the potential legal repercussions of such charges.
Kidnapping carries severe penalties
Maryland defines kidnapping as forcibly carrying or enticing a person, including a minor or a child, with the intent to conceal them. Aiding a lost child can result in kidnapping charges if not addressed carefully. Consider these important points:

Intent matters: While your intentions may have been good, the law focuses on the act itself, not the motivation behind it.
Consent is crucial: Courts may view it as kidnapping if you take a child into your care without explicit permission from their parent or legal guardian.
Location matters: Where you found the child and where you took them can impact your case.
Time is a factor: How long you stay with the child can affect the charges.

The legal consequences of a kidnapping charge are severe. In Maryland, kidnapping is a felony that carries up to 30 years in prison as a potential sentence. An accusation can have devastating effects on your personal and professional life, even if later proven not guilty.
While there are reasonable steps you can take to help a lost child, they do not guarantee immunity from potential legal issues. The interpretation of your actions by law enforcement, witnesses or the child’s guardians can still lead to accusations of wrongdoing.
Securing a solid defense is critical
If accused of kidnapping, obtain legal assistance immediately. Your defense strategy may focus on proving your intentions were benevolent and that you took appropriate steps to reunite the child with their family. A Maryland criminal defense attorney can help defend your innocence and preserve your reputation.