Kidnapping

Kidnapping Defense Attorney in Brazoria County

Defense Built on Prosecutorial Experience in Brazoria County

When you’re facing a kidnapping charge in Brazoria County, the attorney you hire needs to understand how the other side thinks. Steve Gonzalez served as a Brazoria County Assistant District Attorney from 1997 to 2000. That experience gives Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez a direct view into how local prosecutors build felony violent crime cases and where those cases can be challenged. Combined with over 32 years of combined criminal defense experience, we bring Brazoria-specific knowledge that a general criminal defense practice can’t replicate.

Kidnapping is charged as a third-degree or first-degree felony in Texas depending on the circumstances. The stakes include years in state prison, fines, and consequences that can reach into immigration status, professional licensing, and custody proceedings. Early intervention matters. Steve Gonzalez and Kristina King represent clients across Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties, and we serve Spanish-speaking clients throughout the region.

If you’re facing kidnapping or aggravated kidnapping charges, don’t wait to get counsel. Call Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez at (832) 900-9867 to discuss your case.

Why Brazoria County Clients Choose Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez

Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 5,000 clients navigate the Texas criminal justice system. Steve Gonzalez has been a member of the Texas bar since 1997 and has handled serious felony matters throughout his career. That record isn’t a marketing figure. It reflects the range of cases we’ve evaluated, the prosecutors we’ve faced, and the courtroom familiarity we bring to every client’s situation.

Kidnapping charges in Brazoria County are tried in the District Courts in Angleton, which have original felony jurisdiction. We know those courts. We know the evidentiary standards the state applies and the procedural pressure points where defense strategy can make a difference. Every client’s case gets evaluated on its own facts because no two kidnapping cases are the same.

Facing Kidnapping Charges in Brazoria County? Contact Us Today

A kidnapping conviction carries consequences that can follow you long after a sentence ends. The time to build your defense is now, not after the prosecution has set the terms. Our attorneys are prepared to challenge the case against you at every stage of the proceedings.

We represent clients throughout Brazoria County, including Pearland, Manvel, and Lake Jackson. Contact Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez at (832) 900-9867 or use our online contact form to get started.

Texas Kidnapping Law: What the Statute Actually Says

Under Texas Penal Code § 20.03(a), a person commits kidnapping by intentionally or knowingly abducting another person. The term “abduct” has a specific legal meaning under § 20.01(2): it requires restraining a person with intent to prevent their liberation either by holding them somewhere they’re unlikely to be found or by using or threatening to use deadly force. The offense doesn’t require that the restraint last for any particular length of time. Once the elements of abduction and intent are met, the offense is complete.

Kidnapping is closely related to unlawful restraint under Texas Penal Code § 20.02, and prosecutors sometimes charge both offenses simultaneously depending on the facts alleged.

Aggravated Kidnapping Under § 20.04

Aggravated kidnapping occurs when the abduction is accompanied by specific aggravating factors. Texas Penal Code § 20.04 covers situations where the alleged abduction was carried out to hold the victim for ransom or reward, use the victim as a shield or hostage, facilitate or flee a felony, inflict bodily injury or sexual abuse, terrorize the victim or a third party, or interfere with a governmental or political function. Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the abduction also elevates the charge to aggravated kidnapping.

Felony Classification & Sentencing Ranges

The distinction between kidnapping and aggravated kidnapping carries significant sentencing consequences under Texas law.

Third-degree felony (kidnapping, § 20.03): Two to ten years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000
First-degree felony (aggravated kidnapping, § 20.04): Five to 99 years in state prison and a fine up to $10,000
Voluntary release reduction: If the defendant voluntarily releases the victim in a safe place, a first-degree aggravated kidnapping charge may be reduced to a second-degree felony, carrying two to 20 years in prison

Beyond prison time, a kidnapping conviction is generally treated as a crime involving moral turpitude in Texas. That classification can trigger deportation for noncitizens, affect professional licensing, complicate child custody proceedings, and appear on employment background checks. When the alleged victim is a family member or romantic partner, additional domestic violence charges may follow.

Defense Strategies for Kidnapping Charges

The right defense approach depends entirely on the facts of the case. Texas law provides a statutory affirmative defense under § 20.03(b): if proven, it can negate criminal liability even when the underlying facts aren’t disputed. That defense applies when the defendant did not use or threaten deadly force, is a relative of the alleged victim, and acted solely to assume lawful control rather than to abduct. It’s most relevant in family and custody-related disputes where the charge arises from a contested parenting situation rather than a true abduction.

When the affirmative defense doesn’t apply, there are other avenues to pursue:

Evidence suppression: Evidence obtained through constitutional or procedural violations can be challenged and potentially excluded before trial
Challenging intent: The prosecution must prove the defendant acted intentionally or knowingly; disputing the mental state element can undermine the entire charge
Witness and identification challenges: Cross-examination of lay and expert witnesses, scrutiny of eyewitness identification, and review of surveillance footage and physical evidence can expose weaknesses in the state’s case
False accusation defense: Kidnapping accusations sometimes arise from family disputes, custody conflicts, or domestic situations where the complaining party’s account contains inconsistencies that careful investigation can surface
Self-defense or defense of others: Depending on how the incident unfolded, these defenses may be relevant to the specific circumstances alleged

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Put Experience On Your Side

Why Choose Us?

More than 5,000 Clients Helped Since Start of the Firm
Serving Spanish-Speaking Clients
Certified in Breath Tests, Blood Tests and SFSTs

Former Brazoria County Assistant District Attorney
Aggressive & Passionate Legal Representation
Over 42 Years Representing The Accused

A Reputation of Excellence

Hear What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say

"Highly recommend them!"
I highly recommend Steve Gonzalez's Law office! Kristi King was wonderful! She worked very hard and was very consistent with my case. Even helped me be able to go on vacation through it all! She is very kind and got my case reduced from a felony all the way down to just a ticket with no fees or court costs! I am very happy with my outcome. Thank you so very much, Kristi!!!

- Ashley
"They were professional, knowledgeable and genuinely committed"
I can’t recommend this DWI lawyer highly enough. From the very first consultation, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me understand my options. They explained the legal process

- Former Client
"Phenomenal Attorney"
Steve and his team consistently go above and beyond for their clients. They definitely live up to their reputation as the fierce defenders.

- Clayton
"I highly recommend Steve and this team"
After going through the system once I pray, I never be in that situation again, I am glad I found an attorney that suited my needs.

- Kooffreh
"Best Lawyer hands down! Your in good hands if you hire them"
When they tell you you’re in good hands, if you don’t take their word for it, please- take mine!

- Kevin

From the very first meeting it was obvious I made the right choice on lawyering up with Steve and Kellie .. itâ€™s was all attention to the detail all work no play outside the court room but in the court room there was no telling when it was serious or finesse .. Steve is either an angel or a well put together fallen one the way he sways through the court room.. and Iâ€™m sure ms Kellie is the fierce feminine intuition thatâ€™s standing behind ready to strike .. law office of Steve O. Gonzalez delivered the best outcome Iâ€™ve ever witnessed in my 20 years dealing with corrupt police .. God bless yall and Iâ€™ll be sending anyone that truly needs good lawyers and kind hearts on their corner thank yall so much much love

"I highly recommend Steve Gonzalez's Law office!"
I highly recommend Steve Gonzalez's Law office! Kristi King was wonderful ! She worked very hard and was very consistent with my case. Even helped me be able to go on vacation through it all.! She is very kind and got my case reduced from a felony all the way down to just a ticket with no fees or court cost! I am very happy with my outcome. Thank you so very much Kristi!!

- Ashley M.
"I am forever grateful to them for how they handled my case."
I am 67years old and never been in trouble with the law. I was going through some medical issues with my husband along with some living issues. I did something I knew better than doing. With so much on my mind, I didn't think of the consequences. Steve Gonzalez was recommended to me by a friend. I have never met someone that took the time to take care of me and my case and was able to plead my defense with a positive outcome. I am so relieved he was recommended to me, and I chose to accept him as my attorney. I highly recommend him and his wife KK. I am forever grateful to them for how they handled my case.

- Lynn A.