Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Possible kidnapping charges

I could possibly get kidnapping charges against me. i was taking a nap when my daughter woke me up saying, ''There's a major emergency down at my school, my friend is stranded down at the school and her mom doesn't want her home.'' I took my daughter down there because I knew the school was closed. I talked to the girl and asked if I could phone her mom for her and she said she doesn't have a phone. I said we could give you a ride home and she said no I'm not allowed at my house because my mom told me not to come home. I said I could give you a ride to my home and we could contact the police she said yes lets do that. The police came and talked to her and then left with her a little while later the police called me and told me the mom was pressing charges for kidnapping and asked if I and my daughter could write a statement. We did and he informed me it was going to be transfered to the prosecuting attorney. Can I go to jail for helping this girl? Please help I've never even had a speeding ticket!!!


Asked on 5/22/09, 12:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Possible kidnapping charges

It depends. What did you say in your statement? What did your daughter say in her statement? How old is your daughter? If the girl was not "allowed" to go home, where woul dshe have gone? You probably shoul dhave called 911 immediately upon discovering the girl was not allowed to go home. Why wasn't she allowed to go home? I think the mother is trying to cover her situation and divert attention from the fact that child neglect charges coul dbe pressed. You need to get a lawyer NOW. Kidnapping is a serious offense and if the girl was quite young, you coul dhave a very serious situation. Good Luck!

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Answered on 5/22/09, 4:23 pm
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Possible kidnapping charges

I am so sorry to hear that, being a good samaritan, you might be getting into such trouble. How old is the girl? I wish you'd contacted a lawyer before making a written statement. Based on the facts you state it is very unlikely that you'll be charged with Kidnapping or unlawful imprisonment. More likely, you'll be charged with Child Luring. Sadly, based on the facts as you've stated them, it sounds like you did commit that crime. I reaffirm the advice of immediately getting a lawyer. There are some defenses available to you but you should pursue and preserve them right away. Contact me directly if you'd like further assistance.

At your service,

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Answered on 5/22/09, 6:34 pm


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