Kidnapping, abduction and human smuggling all refer to the illegal transport of human beings. While many people use these terms interchangeably, they encompass distinct actions, intentions and legal frameworks.
If you or a loved one are facing these or related charges, it is important to understand the distinctions among them.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is the act of taking people away by force, threats or false statements, with the intent to detain them. The purpose if often to collect ransom or to make a political statement. Some state statutes use the word abduction to describe the act of kidnapping, but the key feature is taking and holding people against their will.
Abduction
Abduction is similar to kidnapping but involves the taking of children, with or without their consent. People often press abduction charges in cases where a non-custodial parent or guardian takes a child without permission. The main difference between abduction and kidnapping is the age of the abductees and their relationships with the person taking them.
Human smuggling
Human smuggling is the act of facilitating the illegal entry of people into a country for financial gain. In some situations, giving rides to undocumented individuals can also qualify as smuggling. Unlike kidnapping, human smuggling usually involves the consent of the transported individuals.
The penalties for kidnapping, abduction and human smuggling vary depending on the circumstances of the crime and the laws of the jurisdiction. All three are usually felony offenses that can result in fines and significant prison time, ranging from several years to life in prison. In some cases, human smugglers may also face deportation.
