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North Dakota Kidnapping/Abducting Laws

Kidnapping is the crime of taking a person against their will to an undisclosed location.  This may be done for ransom or in furtherance of another crime, or in connection with a child custody dispute.

According to the laws of north Dakota, a person is guilty of kidnapping if s/he abducts another or, having abducted another, continues to restrain him or her with intent to do the following:

  • Hold him for ransom or reward;
  • Use him as a shield or hostage;
  • Hold him in a condition of involuntary servitude;
  • Terrorize him or a third person;
  • Commit a felony or attempt to commit a felony; or
  • Interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.

Kidnapping is a class A felony unless the actor voluntarily releases the victim alive and in a safe place prior to trial, in which case it is a class B felony[i].  A maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine of ten thousand dollars, or both, may be imposed for Class A felony and a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment, a fine of ten thousand dollars, or both, may be imposed for class B felony[ii].

North Dakota Amber Plan is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies and broadcasters to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases.  Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert System.  The goal of the Amber Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.

North Dakota Amber Alert Plan

[i] N.D. Cent. Code, § 12.1-18-01

[ii] N.D. Cent. Code, § 12.1-32-01


Inside North Dakota Kidnapping/Abducting Laws