Kidnapping Criminal Defense Attorney In Irving

Personal, Local Defense For Serious Kidnapping Charges

If you or someone you care about has been arrested for kidnapping or a related offense, you are facing one of the most serious charges in Texas. The possibility of prison time, a permanent felony record, and the impact on your family can feel overwhelming in a matter of hours. In this situation, you need calm, clear guidance from a kidnapping criminal defense attorney who will take the time to understand what happened.

My name is Erin Kelley, and through Kelley Legal I represent people facing criminal charges in and around the Irving area. I intentionally keep a lower caseload so I can work closely with each client, explain what is happening in plain language, and help them navigate every court date. If you are dealing with kidnapping allegations, you do not have to go through this process alone.

I am here to listen to your side, help you understand the charge, and talk with you about realistic options for moving forward. Whether you speak English or Spanish, you can speak directly with me about your situation and your concerns. Call today.

Facing Kidnapping Charges in Irving, TX

Many people first learn they are accused of kidnapping after a sudden arrest in Irving or a call from a detective. Often, the situation is more complicated than it appears in a short police report. Some cases involve domestic arguments, family disputes, or confusion about custody orders. Others may involve friends or partners who later describe the situation very differently than you remember.

Under Texas law, kidnapping can cover a wide range of conduct. It generally involves intentionally or knowingly restraining another person in a way that is more serious than a brief stop or minor interference. Related charges can include unlawful restraint or interference with child custody. The specific charge that prosecutors choose in a case that starts in Irving usually depends on the facts the police report, the relationship between the people involved, and any prior history that the state believes is relevant.

Cases that begin with an arrest by Irving Police Department may move into the Dallas County criminal court system. That can mean your hearings are held at a Dallas County criminal courthouse, and the district attorney’s office there will decide how to proceed. Having someone who works in this area and understands how local courts tend to handle serious felony allegations can be very important.

If you are reading this after an arrest, it is natural to be confused about what the charge really means and what might happen next. My role is to explain how the law applies to the facts in your case and to help you make informed decisions at each step.

How I Approach Kidnapping Defense Cases

Taking Time To Understand Your Story

When I take on a kidnapping case, my priority is to understand you and your story. I start by listening carefully to what happened from your perspective. I want to know about your relationship with the other person, any family or custody background, and what led up to the moment the police became involved. These details matter, and they often shape what defenses may be available.

Focused Caseload & Thorough Preparation

Because I keep a lower caseload, I can devote the time that a serious felony case requires. That can include reviewing police reports and recordings, examining any messages or social media content that might be important, and preparing thoroughly for each hearing. It also means I can stay in closer contact with you, so you are not left wondering what is happening with your case as court dates approach.

Looking At Long-Term Consequences

I also work to look beyond the immediate charge and consider how different choices might affect your life in the long term. Felony convictions can create problems with employment, housing, and family relationships. If you are not a United States citizen, a kidnapping-related conviction or plea can also create immigration risks.

My office is in a shared space with immigration attorneys, and that setting helps me stay mindful of how criminal cases and immigration status can intersect. When I advise noncitizen clients, I work to understand the potential immigration consequences of different options. My goal is to help you make decisions that consider your future in this country as well as your immediate criminal case.

Bilingual Representation In English & Spanish

I am also bilingual in English and Spanish. If you or your family members are more comfortable speaking Spanish, you can talk directly with me about the case without a third-party translator. This often makes it easier to ask hard questions and to be sure you truly understand the risks and choices in front of you.

What To Do If You Are Arrested For Kidnapping

Being arrested on a kidnapping charge or learning that police want to question you can cause understandable panic. Taking careful steps in the first hours and days can protect your rights and avoid making the situation worse.

Protecting Your Rights From The Start

First, it is important to use your right to remain silent. You are not required to explain your side to the police at the scene or later at the station or jail. Anything you say can later be used against you, even if you believe it shows your innocence. You can clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Once you do this, you should wait to discuss the facts until you have legal advice.

Being Careful About Communications

Second, be very careful about what you say to other people about the case. Calls from local detention facilities are often recorded, and texts or social media messages can be saved and turned over to the prosecutor. It is usually safer to keep conversations about the alleged incident for private discussions with your lawyer.

Early Court Appearances & Bond

After an arrest in or near Irving, you are typically taken to a local jail facility, and then, depending on the circumstances, you may be seen by a magistrate judge for bond. The timing can vary, but that first appearance can affect how quickly you may be released and what conditions are set. Having a criminal defense lawyer involved as early as possible can help you understand what to expect and what information might be useful in a bond hearing, such as work history, family ties, or lack of prior record.

Contacting Counsel Quickly

If you know you are under investigation but have not yet been arrested, contacting counsel quickly is also important. Early advice can help you avoid missteps in any contact with law enforcement. I encourage you to call me as soon as you learn of a kidnapping-related allegation so we can talk through your specific situation and plan next steps.

Potential Consequences Of A Kidnapping Conviction

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Kidnapping-related offenses are among the more serious charges under Texas law. Depending on the specific allegation and any aggravating factors, you may be facing a felony that carries the possibility of several years or more in state prison. The exact potential sentence usually depends on factors such as the level of the charge, whether any weapons or injuries are alleged, and whether the state claims that ransom, harm, or concealment was involved.

Impact On Your Record & Daily Life

Even beyond possible prison time, a conviction can follow you for life. A felony record can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, and your ability to own or possess firearms. If children are involved, the case may also influence existing or future custody arrangements. Judges in family courts often look very closely at serious criminal convictions when deciding what is in a child’s best interest.

Immigration Concerns For Noncitizens

For clients who are not United States citizens, the stakes can be even higher. Certain crimes that involve kidnapping, violence, or the risk of harm may be treated as grounds for removal under federal immigration law. This means that a plea that seems manageable from a purely criminal standpoint may still create serious immigration problems later.

Because I share office space with immigration attorneys, I am regularly reminded of how a single criminal case can alter someone’s status in this country. When I counsel noncitizen clients, I work to understand whether a proposed plea or outcome might carry immigration risks. While no criminal defense lawyer can control what immigration authorities may do, we can at least take these issues into account when evaluating options in the criminal case.

Understanding these potential consequences is essential before you make any decisions. My role is to explain the likely range of outcomes in clear terms, answer your questions, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of each path forward.

How A Local Defense Lawyer Helps In Irving Kidnapping Cases

When your case begins with an arrest in Irving, it usually proceeds through the Dallas County criminal courts. Each courthouse, judge, and prosecutor’s office tends to handle scheduling, plea discussions, and hearings in its own way. A local kidnapping criminal defense lawyer who regularly appears in those courts can use that familiarity to help guide you through the process.

Being nearby also makes it easier for us to meet in person when that is helpful. Many clients and families in this area prefer to sit down face to face to review discovery, discuss possible plea offers, or prepare for testimony. Because my practice focuses on this region, I can usually plan meetings around your work and family commitments while still preparing thoroughly for court.

As your attorney, I attend hearings with you, help you understand what will happen at each setting, and talk through what any new development may mean. Bond conditions, no contact orders, and other restrictions can be confusing. Having someone who knows how those conditions are typically addressed in this area can make it easier to avoid violations and stay in compliance.

My office’s location with immigration attorneys adds another layer of practical help for certain clients. While I handle your criminal matter, being in that environment helps me stay attentive to broader issues that might affect your life here. This can be particularly important in kidnapping cases that may be viewed harshly by both criminal and immigration authorities.

If you are searching for a kidnapping criminal defense lawyer Irving residents can actually reach and talk to, my goal is to provide that level of access and support while we work through the case together.

What To Expect When You Work With Me

Your First Conversation

If you contact my firm after a kidnapping arrest or accusation, the first step is usually a conversation about what happened and where your case stands. During that initial call, I ask questions about the incident, your background, any prior record, and whether you have upcoming court dates. I also want to know what worries you most right now, so I can address those concerns directly.

Ongoing Communication & Case Updates

Once I am involved in your case, I work to keep you informed at each stage. Before court dates, I explain the purpose of the setting and what we are hoping to accomplish. After hearings, I go over what the judge decided and what comes next. If the state makes a plea offer, I walk you through the terms in plain language and discuss possible alternatives, rather than simply telling you what to do.

Benefits Of A Lower Caseload

Because I maintain a lower caseload, I am more available to answer questions and to review documents or messages that might be relevant. This approach is particularly important in kidnapping related cases, where the details of relationships, custody orders, or communication between people can play a large role in how the case unfolds.

Bilingual Communication For You & Your Family

I also provide bilingual support in Spanish. Many of my clients or their family members prefer to talk about sensitive issues in the language they use at home. When we can speak directly in Spanish, it reduces the chance of misunderstandings and allows you to ask every question you have about the case, the law, and your options.

Throughout our work together, my goal is to respect your dignity, keep you informed, and help you make choices that align with your values and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a kidnapping arrest in Irving?

If you have just been arrested on a kidnapping-related charge, the most important step is to protect your rights. You can clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. This applies both at the scene and later at the station or jail.

You should also avoid talking about the facts of the case on recorded jail calls or in messages that could be saved and shared. Friends or family may understandably want details, but those conversations can later become evidence. As soon as you are able, you or a trusted family member can contact a criminal defense lawyer to discuss bond, upcoming court dates, and what information may be helpful to gather.

When I speak with someone right after an arrest from the Irving area, I work to identify immediate priorities, such as bond hearings, contact restrictions, or the need to preserve messages or documents. Acting quickly can make a real difference in how prepared you are for the first few steps in the case.

Can kidnapping charges be reduced or dismissed?

Kidnapping charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed, but it depends on the specific facts of the case, the available evidence, and how the prosecutor and court view the situation. Factors that may influence the outcome include the relationship between the people involved, whether anyone was injured, whether weapons are alleged, and whether there is a clear dispute about consent or custody.

In some cases, further investigation may uncover information that supports a defense or casts doubt on the version of events in the initial report. In other situations, negotiations with the prosecutor may lead to amended charges that carry different potential penalties. No attorney can promise a particular result, but a kidnapping criminal defense lawyer can analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the state’s case, and pursue outcomes that are more favorable when possible.

When I evaluate a case, I look closely at all of these factors and keep you informed about realistic possibilities, so you can make informed decisions about whether to consider an offer or continue toward trial.

Will a kidnapping case affect my immigration status?

A kidnapping-related case can affect your immigration status, especially if it leads to a conviction for a crime that immigration authorities consider serious. Some offenses that involve restraint, violence, or risk of harm may be treated very harshly under federal immigration laws.

The exact impact often depends on the final charge, the sentence, and your current immigration situation. For example, someone with lawful permanent resident status may face different risks than someone here on a temporary visa. Because these issues are complex, it is important to consider potential immigration consequences before agreeing to any plea.

My office is located in a space with immigration attorneys, which helps keep me aware of how criminal cases can affect status in the United States. When I represent noncitizen clients, I make a point of discussing possible immigration concerns and, when appropriate, encouraging them to consult with an immigration lawyer about specific risks. My goal is to help you avoid making decisions in your criminal case without understanding how they might affect your ability to remain here.

How will you keep me informed about my case?

Communication is one of my main priorities when I represent someone on a serious felony charge. From the beginning, I let you know how to reach me, and I work to respond as promptly as I reasonably can based on court schedules and other obligations. Before each court date, I explain the purpose of the setting and what we are hoping to accomplish.

After hearings, I review with you what took place in court, any decisions the judge made, and what happens next. When new discovery or information arrives, I talk with you about what it may mean for our strategy. Because I maintain a lower caseload, I can spend time answering your questions rather than rushing through conversations.

If you prefer to speak Spanish, I can discuss all of these updates directly with you in that language. This allows you and your family to stay fully informed about the case and to participate in decisions about your defense.

Can you help if my kidnapping case involves a family or custody issue?

Yes, I represent clients in kidnapping-related cases that arise from family or custody situations. Many allegations do not involve strangers at all. Instead, they may stem from disputes between parents, arguments between partners, or misunderstandings about who had the right to take or keep a child at a certain time.

In these cases, it is especially important to gather information about existing court orders, communication between the adults, and the history of the relationships involved. This context can be very important when explaining your side to the court or to the prosecutor. Sometimes, what initially appears as a criminal matter may be more closely related to a family law conflict.

When I handle these kinds of cases, I take time to understand the broader background and to review any documents or messages that may clarify what actually happened. My goal is to present a fuller picture of the situation, rather than allowing a single incident to define you.

How quickly should I contact a kidnapping criminal defense attorney?

It is usually best to contact a kidnapping criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are under investigation or right after an arrest. Early legal advice can help you avoid saying or doing things that could later harm your case. It can also give you a clearer idea of what to expect at the first court appearances and what information may be useful to gather.

In the period between an arrest in the Irving area and the first hearings in Dallas County court, decisions are being made about bond, conditions, and how the state will initially charge the case. Having counsel during this time can be particularly helpful. The sooner I can review the facts and any available reports, the sooner we can begin planning how to respond.

Even if you are not sure what the exact charge will be, a consultation can provide valuable guidance on how to handle contact with law enforcement and how to protect your rights.

Do you speak Spanish for kidnapping defense cases?

Yes, I speak Spanish and regularly communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients and their families. You can discuss your kidnapping case with me in Spanish from the first call through the end of the representation.

Being able to speak in your preferred language often makes it much easier to explain complicated events, to ask detailed questions, and to understand the legal process. It also avoids some of the delays and misunderstandings that can occur when everything must go through a separate interpreter.

For many families in and around Irving, having a bilingual attorney is an important factor in feeling comfortable and fully informed during a very stressful time. I work to make sure that language does not stand between you and a clear understanding of your rights and options.

Talk With A Kidnapping Defense Lawyer About Your Case

Kidnapping and related charges in Texas are serious, and the choices you make in the early stages of a case can have lasting effects on your future. You do not have to sort through these decisions on your own. By talking directly with a criminal defense lawyer who handles serious cases from the Irving area, you can begin to understand what is at stake and what options may be available. When you contact my firm, you speak with an attorney who keeps a lower caseload, offers one-on-one attention, and can communicate in both English and Spanish. My goal is to give you clear information, reduce some of the fear that naturally comes with a serious arrest, and help you take the next step with more confidence.

If you or a loved one is facing kidnapping allegations, I encourage you to reach out so we can talk about your specific situation in a confidential setting. To discuss your case with a kidnapping criminal defense lawyer, call (469) 564-3420.