Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges in Delaware County involve allegations that a person restricted another individual’s freedom of movement without legal authority. These offenses range from serious felony kidnapping charges to misdemeanor unlawful restraint, depending on the circumstances, intent, and whether force, threats, or deception are alleged.
Attorney William Burrows represents individuals facing kidnapping and unlawful restraint charges throughout Delaware County, defending cases prosecuted in both Magisterial District Courts and the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
See all Criminal Charges Page – Delaware County
Types of Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Charges
Pennsylvania law distinguishes between several offenses involving the restriction of another person’s liberty.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is one of the most serious felony offenses under Pennsylvania law. It generally involves allegations that a person unlawfully removed or confined another individual for purposes such as:
- Holding the person for ransom or reward
- Facilitating the commission of another crime
- Inflicting bodily injury or terrorizing the victim
- Interfering with a governmental or political function
Kidnapping charges carry severe state prison penalties.
Unlawful Restraint
Unlawful restraint applies when a person is accused of knowingly restraining another unlawfully, without the additional intent elements required for kidnapping. These charges are often graded as misdemeanors, though aggravating circumstances may elevate the severity.
False Imprisonment
False imprisonment allegations involve knowingly restraining another person so as to substantially interfere with their liberty, without lawful authority.
How These Charges Are Handled in Delaware County Courts
Magisterial District Courts
Kidnapping and unlawful restraint cases often begin in the Magisterial District Court serving the location where the alleged conduct occurred. District courts handle:
- Preliminary arraignments
- Bail determinations
- Preliminary hearings
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Even when proceedings begin at the district court level, serious cases rarely remain there.
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Felony kidnapping cases and higher-graded unlawful restraint charges proceed to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which oversees:
- Formal arraignments
- Pretrial motions
- Trial or plea negotiations
- Sentencing
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Charges by Location
These charges are prosecuted based on the municipality where the alleged restraint or removal occurred. Each location is served by a designated Magisterial District Court.
If you are facing kidnapping or unlawful restraint charges in any of the following areas, your case will begin in the appropriate district court:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Relationship to PFA and Violation Proceedings
Kidnapping and unlawful restraint allegations frequently arise in domestic or family-related disputes, which can also involve:
- Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders
- PFA violations
- Probation or parole violations
An arrest for these offenses may result in multiple concurrent legal proceedings.
Delaware County Violation Types:
- PFA Violations in Delaware County
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations
- All Violation Types
Violation matters are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas.
Potential Penalties for Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint
Penalties depend on the specific charge and facts alleged and may include:
- Lengthy state prison sentences
- County jail incarceration
- Probation or parole supervision
- No-contact or restraining orders
- Substantial fines and court costs
Felony convictions can permanently affect civil rights and future opportunities.
Defense Strategies for Kidnapping and Unlawful Restraint Charges
Defense strategies often focus on:
- Consent and voluntary movement
- Lack of intent to restrain or remove
- Familial or custodial disputes
- Credibility of allegations
- Constitutional and procedural violations
Attorney William Burrows applies a strategic, fact-intensive approach to defending these cases, informed by his prosecutorial background and deep familiarity with Delaware County courts.