What constitutes aggravated kidnapping?

Aggravated kidnapping is defined primarily by the intentional or knowing abduction of another person, which encompasses the unlawful taking and holding of an individual. This act is characterized by the perpetrator's understanding and intent to abduct someone, distinguishing it from other forms of illegal confinement or restraint.

The significance of this definition lies in its emphasis on the intent. Simply taking someone without their consent, with the intent to hold or confine them against their will, elevates the crime to aggravated kidnapping when certain additional factors are met—such as using a weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or committing the act in a manner that instills fear of imminent harm. In this context, understanding that the abduction must be deliberate and with an intent to hold the individual further clarifies what classifies an act as aggravated kidnapping compared to other related offenses.