Definition of Aggravated Kidnapping.  In Illinois, a person commits the offense of aggravated kidnapping when he or she commits kidnapping and:

(1) kidnaps with the intent to obtain ransom from the person kidnapped or from any other person;

(2) takes as his or her victim a child under the age of 13 years, or a severely or profoundly intellectually disabled person;

(3) inflicts great bodily harm, other than by the discharge of a firearm, or commits another felony upon his or her victim;

(4) wears a hood, robe, or mask or conceals his or her identity;

(5) commits the offense of kidnapping while armed with a dangerous weapon, other than a firearm;

(6) commits the offense of kidnapping while armed with a firearm;

(7) during the commission of the offense of kidnapping, personally discharges a firearm; or

(8) during the commission of the offense of kidnapping, personally discharges a firearm that proximately causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death to another person.

The term “ransom” includes money, benefit, or other valuable thing or concession.

Sentence: Aggravated kidnapping in violation of sections (1) – (5) is a Class X felony.  A violation of section (6)is a Class X felony for which 15 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment by the court.  A violation of section (7) is a Class X felony for which 20 years shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.  A violation of section (8) is a Class X felony for which 25 years or up to a term of natural life shall be added to the term of imprisonment imposed by the court.  A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of aggravated kidnapping shall be sentenced to a term of natural life imprisonment; except that a sentence of natural life imprisonment shall not be imposed under this Section unless the second or subsequent offense was committed after conviction of the first offense.