Mr. C was 18 years old and dating his 16 year old girlfriend. They had gone out to dinner at a fast food restaurant, and Mr. C was pulled over for a Minor Traffic Violation. After the Officer left, Mr. C. sat on the curb because he wasn’t feeling well. His girlfriend went through his phone and saw a text message from another girl and she “flipped out”. She began attacking Mr. C., and Mr. C. tried to calm her down for about 20 minutes before driving her home.
The girlfriend then called Police and claimed that she was assaulted by Mr. C. and was not allowed to leave his vehicle. Mr. C. was ultimately charged with a Class 2 Felony Kidnapping. At Jury Trial, we were able to show that his girlfriend’s story did not match up with what she had originally told Detectives. She had claimed that a friend had come by and witnessed the assault, but could not identify the friend. At the close of all evidence. The Jury was to deliberate regarding the Felony Kidnapping under Arizona Revised Statute ARS 13-1304, as well as the “Lesser Included Offenses” of Felony Attempted Kidnapping and Felony Unlawful Imprisonment under Arizona Revised Statute ARS 13-1303.
After a short deliberation, they returned a verdict of Not Guilty on all 3 charges. If Mr. C had not received a Complete Acquittal, he would have been facing a Potential of over 10 years in Prison.