Kidnapping Defense in Arapahoe County

More Than 25 Years Defending Clients Against Serious Colorado Charges

A kidnapping charge can turn on disputed facts about movement, confinement, consent, lawful justification, and intent. The specific allegation, charging statute, and available evidence all matter.

Before answering substantive questions from investigators or making decisions about the case, you should understand the charge and the constitutional rights at stake. I personally handle each case at Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C., including early efforts to identify and preserve communications, video, location data, witness accounts, and other evidence that could be lost or altered.

If you or a family member is accused of kidnapping in Arapahoe County, call (303) 429-6200 to discuss the charge and immediate next steps.

How Colorado Law Distinguishes Kidnapping & False Imprisonment

Colorado law distinguishes first-degree kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping, and false imprisonment. The appropriate classification depends on the exact statutory subsection, alleged conduct, surrounding circumstances, and evidence available to the prosecution.

First-Degree Kidnapping

First-degree kidnapping generally concerns conduct intended to force a concession or obtain something of value in exchange for a person’s release. The statute addresses conduct such as forcibly seizing and carrying a person, enticing or persuading someone to go from one place to another, or imprisoning or forcibly secreting a person.

Second-Degree Kidnapping

Second-degree kidnapping generally involves knowingly seizing and carrying a person from one place to another without consent or lawful justification. The statute also covers taking or concealing a child under specified circumstances. Factors involving a sexual offense, robbery, consideration, a deadly weapon, or a claimed deadly weapon can affect the classification.

False Imprisonment

False imprisonment is a separate offense involving confinement or detention without consent and proper legal authority. Whether the facts support kidnapping, false imprisonment, or neither may depend on the extent of any movement, the duration of the alleged restraint, and each person’s intent.

Evidence That Can Shape a Kidnapping Defense

I begin by comparing the accusation with the available evidence. I review the prosecution’s account, identify factual conflicts, preserve relevant material, and develop a strategy based on what the evidence can establish. When appropriate, I also work with private investigators or forensic consultants.

Important areas of review may include:

• Consent: Whether the person agreed to travel, remain at a location, or participate in the events being described.
• Movement or confinement: Where the person allegedly went, how long any restraint lasted, and whether physical force or threats were involved.
• Lawful justification: Whether the accused had legal authority or another lawful basis for the conduct.
• Intent: Whether the evidence supports the mental state required by the charged subsection.
• Witness reliability: Whether interviews, 911 calls, and police reports are consistent with one another and with objective evidence.
• Digital and physical evidence: Whether surveillance footage, phone records, messages, social media, location information, medical records, or other material supports or contradicts the allegation.

Statements made during an investigation or after an arrest may become evidence. I examine the circumstances of questioning, police procedures, searches, and evidence collection to determine which issues require further investigation or a legal challenge.

Personal Representation From Investigation Through Trial

I’ve focused my legal career on defending criminal accusations for more than 25 years and am admitted to practice in all Colorado courts. I’ve handled thousands of cases and hundreds of trials across Colorado counties. That experience informs how I prepare serious felony charges for negotiation or courtroom proceedings.

I don’t delegate your defense to a paralegal or associate. I communicate directly with you, investigate the allegations, gather and preserve evidence, evaluate available legal challenges, and prepare for each stage of the proceedings. Through Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C., I represent clients in Arapahoe, Denver, Adams, Jefferson, and Douglas Counties.

What to Know About Arapahoe County Court Proceedings

Arapahoe County is part of Colorado’s Eighteenth Judicial District, where felony criminal matters are handled in District Court. County Court may address a felony complaint and early proceedings before the charge moves forward in District Court, so it’s important to check the charging paperwork carefully.

The county court system includes the Arapahoe County Justice Center and the Arapahoe County Courthouse in Littleton. The correct location and next step depend on the case number, procedural stage, bond status, and hearing notice. I review these details with clients so they understand where to appear, what to expect, and what requires immediate attention.

Discuss the Charge Directly With Joseph A. Lazzara

I offer a free initial consultation to discuss the accusation, court status, available evidence, and immediate concerns. You’ll speak directly with me about the circumstances and potential defense strategies. A family member may also call to provide basic information and ask how to arrange a consultation for the accused person.

Call (303) 429-6200 to request a free initial consultation with Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C. and discuss your next steps.