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Michigan Kidnapping/Abduction Laws

According to MCLS § 750.349, a person commits the offense of kidnapping if s/he knowingly restrains another person with the intent to do any of the following:

  • Hold that person for ransom or reward.
  • Use that person as a shield or hostage.
  • Engage in criminal sexual penetration or criminal sexual contact with that person.
  • Take that person outside of Michigan.
  • Hold that person in involuntary servitude.

Asportation is an essential element of a forcible-confinement kidnapping.[i]  The elements of kidnapping are:

  • a forcible seizure, confinement, inveigling or kidnapping of another,
  • done wilfully, maliciously and without lawful authority,
  • with the intent to cause such person to be secretly confined or imprisoned within the state against his or her will,
  • an asportation of the victim which is not merely incidental to an underlying crime.[ii]

In Michigan, a person who commits the crime of kidnapping is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for life or any term of years or a fine of not more than $50,000.00, or both.

Michigan State Police provides 24-hour statewide quality police service for the safety and protection of the people and their property in the state of Michigan.

Michigan State Police


[i] People v. Vaughn, 447 Mich. 217, 234 (Mich. 1994)

[ii]People v Wesley, 421 Mich 375, 388-389; 365 NW2d 692 (1984)


Inside Michigan Kidnapping/Abduction Laws