Fort Worth, TX Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Attorney

Knowledgeable Lawyer Representing Clients Accused of Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint in Tarrant County

If you are accused of unlawfully restraining or abducting another person, you face criminal prosecution ranging from misdemeanor to felony charges. Considering the possible stakes, the best thing you can do if charged with a kidnapping offense is to see a lawyer as soon as possible.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Fort Worth, TX kidnapping and unlawful restraint defense lawyer can go over your case with you in private and discuss your legal options. No matter the case, we will always seek the best outcome, whether it means fighting for reduced charges or pursuing a full dismissal based on the facts. We have received hundreds of 5-star reviews from our clients for our strong representation and strategy.

What Is Unlawful Restraint?

In Texas, unlawful restraint usually means intentionally or knowingly restricting someone's movement without legal authority and without that person's consent. In real life, these cases can grow out of fast-moving conflict. For instance, unlawful restraint can involve a partner blocking a doorway during an argument, someone grabbing another person's arm to keep them from leaving, or a person being held in a car, a bedroom, or a back office "just for a minute."

Unlawful restraint is often charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to one year in jail. The charge can become more serious in certain situations, including when the restrained person is a child under 17. In this case, the charge escalates to a state jail felony, which carries 180 days to two years in state jail. It can also be charged as a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison if the alleged restraint exposed someone to a substantial risk of serious injury.

Understanding Kidnapping Charges in Texas

Kidnapping is different from unlawful restraint because it involves an "abduction," not merely a restriction of movement. Prosecutors often focus on whether the state can prove an intent to prevent the person's liberation, such as holding the person somewhere not likely to be found, or using or threatening deadly force. Kidnapping is generally charged as a third-degree felony in Texas.

Aggravated kidnapping is charged when the state alleges additional, high-stakes factors, such as using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, or abducting someone for certain purposes (for example, ransom, using the person as a shield or hostage, facilitating another felony, terrorizing, or causing bodily injury or sexual abuse). Under Texas law, aggravated kidnapping is typically a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years, or life, in prison. If the defense can raise and prove that the alleged victim was voluntarily released in a safe place, the punishment range can be reduced to a second-degree felony, which carries two to 20 years.

Possible Defenses Against Kidnapping Charges

In many cases, defense against a kidnapping or unlawful restraint charge revolves around intent. The state must prove specific mental states for these charges, and that proof can collapse under careful scrutiny.

Common defense angles may include showing that the person was not abducted, that there was no intent to prevent liberation, that the allegation is exaggerated from a messy domestic dispute, or that the accused had lawful authority to restrain (such as certain narrow situations involving lawful detention). Other defenses may look at identification issues, inconsistent statements, missing context in texts or calls, or a lack of physical evidence supporting force, threats, or secrecy.

For aggravated kidnapping allegations, the facts surrounding any claimed weapon, injury, threat, or purpose matter, as does the timeline. Even small details, like where the person could have gone, who could have seen them, and what exits were available, can reshape the legal theory.

Meet With a Fort Worth, Texas Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Defense Lawyer

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we take a direct, detail-driven approach in criminal defense cases, fighting to protect our clients' rights. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, Texas kidnapping and unlawful restraint defense attorney to set up a free consultation.