No matter what state you live in, kidnapping is a felony offense.
Some states, like Texas, further break down the offense, meaning that there are varying levels of kidnapping.
Third degree kidnapping is the least severe offense while first degree is the most severe.
Kidnapping, in general, is defined as one person knowingly abducting another person.
The intent differs, and that is where the varying levels come in.
On the most basic level, though, the crime is abduction.
A third degree felony usually occurs when a parent takes his or her child away from the other parent, and the parent who is not with the child does not know the child's whereabouts.
For this to be a third degree offense, three conditions must apply.
First, the individual must not harm or threaten to harm the individual being abducted.
Second, the kidnapper must be a relative of the kidnapped.
Finally, the motive for committing the crime must be to gain legal control over the abducted person.
First degree felony kidnapping, on the other hand, usually occurs when someone wants to gain money or power.
This is a more serious offense since it is usually accompanied by violence toward the abducted person or his or her family.
A kidnapping may be a first degree felony when the kidnapper wishes to gain ransom for the kidnapped person or takes the kidnapped person hostage.
Kidnapping that would otherwise be third degree felony can become first degree when the kidnapper threatens to harm the abducted person or actually harms him or her.
Finally, kidnapping is a first degree felony offense when it interferes with government affairs.