In our country, individuals are born with the right to live freely. When an individual is illegally confined against his or her will, it can have a long-lasting and traumatizing effect on them. Therefore, the laws regarding unlawful restraint are strict and the punishments can be steep. If you have been accused of unlawfully restraining someone, it is vital that you contact a knowledgeable violent crimes defense attorney, who may be able to prove that the claims against you have been exaggerated or completely made up.
Unlawful Restraint Defense Lawyer in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, TX
If you have been charged with unlawful restraint in Dallas, attorney Richard McConathy is an experienced defense attorney who has the knowledge and skill necessary to craft a solid defense for your case.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.
Unlawful Restraint in Texas
According to §20.02 of the Texas Penal Code, an individual is guilty of unlawful restraint if he or she intentionally restrains another person against their will. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor that can be upgraded to a state jail felony if the victim was less than 17 years old at the time of the offense.
It can also be upgraded to a third-degree felony if the offender puts the victim at substantial risk of suffering serious bodily injury, or the offender knowingly restrains an on-duty public servant. Other factors that could influence the severity of the charge include:
- The victim was a child less than 14 years old
- The offender was related to the child
- The victim was between the ages of 14 and 17
- The offender restrained the child with the intent to assume lawful control of the child
- The offender did not use force, intimidation, or deception to restrain the victim
- The offender is not more than three years older than the child
Unlawful restraint usually carries penalties that are less severe than those of kidnapping. However, this is still an offense that should be taken very seriously. Contact an experienced defense attorney who can help ensure that you make informed legal decisions throughout the legal process.
Penalties for Unlawful Restraint in Dallas
If an individual is convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, he or she can be sentenced to up to a year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
Individuals convicted of a state jail felony can be punished by between 180 days and two years behind bars, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.
A third-degree felony is punishable by a minimum of two years in prison and a maximum of 10, and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Find A Dallas County Defense Attorney for Unlawful Restraint Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
If you have been accused of unlawfully restraining someone in Dallas County, Richard McConathy is a knowledgeable defense lawyer in Dallas who will make every effort to help you achieve the most positive outcome for your particular case.
Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at (972) 233-5700 for a consultation about your alleged offense in Irving, Dallas, Carrolton, Richardson, and surrounding areas of Dallas County, Texas. Our firm will work to get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed.