Child kidnapping (domestic violence) is a 1st degree felony.
A defendant commits child kidnapping (domestic violence) if they intentionally and knowingly, without authority of law, and by any means and in any manner, seizes, confines, detains, or transports a child under the age of 14 without the consent of the victim's parent or guardian, or the consent of a person acting in loco parentis.
1st degree felony: A fine not to exceed $10,000, plus a 90% surcharge.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-3-301(1)(a), Utah Code Ann. §51-9-401)
The court may order the accused to pay restitution if convicted of this crime.
(Utah Code Ann. §77-38a-301)
Imprisonment is mandatory for child kidnapping (domestic violence).
(Utah Code Ann. §76-5-301.1)
Not less than 15 years and which may be for life. However, if the judge finds that a lesser term is in the interest of justice and states the reasons for this finding on the record, the court may impose a term of imprisonment of not less than:
Life without parole, if the judge finds that during the course of the commission of the child kidnapping the defendant caused serious bodily injury to another. However, if the judge finds that a lesser term is in the interest of justice and states the reasons for this finding on the record, the court may impose a term of imprisonment of not less than:
Life without parole, if the judge finds that at the time of the commission of the child kidnapping the defendant was previously convicted of a grievous sexual offense.
Because of the unique and highly emotional nature of domestic violence crimes, the high recidivism
rate of violent offenders, and the demonstrated increased risk of continued acts of violence subsequent
to the release of an offender who has been arrested for domestic violence, it was the finding of the
Utah Legislature that domestic violence crimes, are crimes for which bail may be denied if there is
substantial evidence to support the charge, and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence
that he alleged perpetrator would constitute a substantial danger to an alleged victim of domestic
violence if released on bail.
(Utah Code Ann. §76-6-2.5(12))
In addition to penalties otherwise provided by law, the court may:
The court will:
A defendant convicted of a 1st degree felony child kidnapping (domestic violence) must provide a DNA specimen.
(Utah Code Ann. §53-10-403(2))
A defendant convicted of child kidnapping (domestic violence) may not posses, use or have control of a firearm or ammunition for life.
(18 U.S.C. §922(g)(9))
Learn more about crimes related to Child Kidnapping (Domestic Violence). If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at (801) 505-1586.