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Missouri Kidnapping/Abduction Laws

According to § 565.110 R.S.Mo, a person commits the crime of kidnapping if s/he unlawfully removes another without his or her consent from the place where s/he is found or unlawfully confines another without his or her consent for a substantial period, for the purpose of

  • Holding that person for ransom or reward, or for any other act to be performed or not performed for the return or release of that person; or
  • Using the person as a shield or as a hostage; or
  • Interfering with the performance of any governmental or political function; or
  • Facilitating the commission of any felony or flight thereafter; or
  • Inflicting physical injury on or terrorizing the victim or another.

Kidnapping is a class A felony.  If a person kidnaps another for the purpose of facilitating the commission of any felony or inflicting physical injury on or terrorizing the victim, kidnapping is a class B felony.

Kidnapping is the forcible seizure, confinement, inveiglement, or enticement of another with the intent to asport or secretly confine the other against his will.[i]

In Missouri, under § 558.011 R.S.Mo., sentence for a class A felony, is a term of years not less than 10 years and not more than 30 years, or life imprisonment.  A person who commits class B felony is punishable for a term of years not less than 5 years and not more than 15 years.

Department of Public Safety Department of Public Safety ensures the safety and security of citizens and their property.   The department is responsible for law enforcement, criminal investigation, and public safety activities undertaken by state government, and for coordinating these efforts with local and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Missouri Department of Public Safety Department


[i] State v. Crews, 1980 Mo. App. LEXIS 3349 (Mo. Ct. App. Apr. 29, 1980)


Inside Missouri Kidnapping/Abduction Laws