How Does Illinois Differentiate Between Kidnapping and Aggravated Kidnapping?
From a general standpoint, kidnapping occurs whenever a perpetrator takes a victim and holds them captive. If these actions occur against the victim’s will or without their consent, it qualifies as kidnapping in Illinois. Furthermore, Illinois law provides for aggravated kidnapping charges, as well. Aggravated kidnapping is appropriate when the perpetrator displays particularly reckless conduct, such as possession or discharge of a firearm.
Kidnapping
The Illinois definition of kidnapping appears under 720 ILCS 5/10-1. This section makes it unlawful to knowingly:
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Confines another person against their will in secret;
Uses force or the threat of force to carry another person and secretly confine them against their will; or
Deceives another person into going somewhere with the intent to secretly confine them against their will.
Section 10-1 also establishes the punishment for kidnapping. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 2 felony. If convicted, the [...]