The meaning of abduction is to take someone by force and against their free will; which in turn, is a violation of a person’s freedom and legal rights. Though being charged with abduction in Virginia is not punishable by death or life in prison, it is still considered a serious offense that can land you a number of years in prison and a hefty fine. Furthermore, it can also land you a number of restrictions, if the victim is considered to be a minor (or is under the legal age, which is 18 years old) by the State.

Proving the accused guilty:

In order to prove that the accused is indeed guilty of abduction, the prosecutor needs to prove in the court of law, that the offender:

used deception, force or intimidation
detained someone or took them against their will
had malice or criminal intent
did not have legal authority to detain the victim
concealed or withheld the victim from the authorities and concerned personnel

Abduction was of a minor:

If the accused is charged with the abduction of a minor then according to Va. Code §18.2-370.2, the offender is ordered to stay 100 feet away from places where children are found such as schools and playgrounds.

Penalties of abduction related crimes:

If a person is accused and then proven guilty in a court of Virginia, then they will face appropriate punishments, depending on their crimes. Here are some possible charges and the penalties you can get for these offenses:

Abduction or kidnapping (Class 5 felony) – Up to 10 years in prison
Aggravated abduction (Class 2 felony) – Up to 20 years in prison
Parental kidnapping in violation of a court order (Class 6 felony) – Up to 5 years in prison
Attempted abduction by an immediate family member (Class 2 misdemeanor) – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1000
Aiding abduction with an intent to defile – From one to 10 years in prison
Aiding abduction of a female for prostitution – Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $2,500
Threatening abduction for monetary benefit or extortion (Class 5 felony) – Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500
Threatening abduction with an intent to defile (Class 5 felony) – Up to 10 years in prison
Threatening abduction of a female (aged 16 years or less) for prostitution (Class 5 felony) – Up to 10 years in prison
Threatening abduction by an immediate family member (Class 2 misdemeanor) – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1000
Failure to Report an Abduction (Class 2 misdemeanor) – Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1000
Taking a hostage by a prisoner or escaped prisoner (Class 3 felony) – A prison sentence ranging from 5 to 20 years
Trespassing on a school bus or school property for the abduction of a student [does not include parental abduction (Class 6 felony)] – Up to 5 years in prison