False Imprisonment Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach
When you think of false imprisonment, you likely picture holding someone against their will for days or weeks. However, you can be charged with false imprisonment by merely grabbing someone’s arm for a moment. Unfortunately, the loose definition of false imprisonment can lead to arrests and charges based on misunderstandings.
As terrifying as this is, it is essential to remember that a charge and a conviction are two separate things. So consult with our West Palm Beach false imprisonment defense lawyer to go over the case details. With more than 34 years of experience defending clients from these charges, Ronald S. Chapman understands the complexities of these cases.
What Is False Imprisonment?
Prosecutors must meet the criteria to prove false imprisonment. This means the state must prove that you:
- Restrained, confined, imprisoned, or abducted someone against his or her will secretly, forcibly, or by threat
- Did not have the legal authority to do so
There are two sides to every story, and you deserve to tell yours. Contact a false imprisonment attorney in West Palm Beach so you can go over the facts of your case.
Examples Of False Imprisonment
According to the law, you can be charged with the crime of false imprisonment for merely grabbing another person’s arm in the heat of the moment. If the other party claims you restrained and prevented them from leaving, the state prosecutor can file charges. Other examples include locking an individual in a room, threatening someone with a weapon to keep them in place, and physically restraining another person.
Sometimes, you get this charge after an argument with another person, and there is an embellishment of “facts” to get you into trouble. That is why consulting with a false imprisonment attorney in West Palm Beach is vital. Attorney Ronald Chapman will work tirelessly to challenge each piece of evidence the state uses.
By hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney like Ronald Chapman as soon as you are arrested, you might be able to avoid being formally charged with false imprisonment. So contact our West Palm Beach false imprisonment defense lawyer immediately. Then Ronald Chapman may be able submit evidence to the prosecution to prevent the filing of formal charges against you.
Aggravated False Imprisonment
The charges are enhanced to aggravated false imprisonment when the alleged victim is a minor under the age of 13, confined without consent, and there were aggravating factors, such as child abuse. Since aggravated false imprisonment is a first-degree felony, you can face severe consequences if convicted. Thus, you do not want to square off against the prosecution alone. Consult with our West Palm Beach false imprisonment lawyer to build a defense.
Possible Defenses
Since each case is different, your lawyer needs to review the evidence before determining a defense strategy. Some possible defenses include the legal authority to detain someone or the other person’s voluntary consent to confinement. It is also possible that you did not restrain another person against their will, and the other person is lying. These are just some of the possible strategies your attorney will explore after reviewing your case.