Which offense is defined as intentionally or knowingly abducting another person?

• A. Unlawful Restraint
• B. Abduction
• C. Kidnapping
• D. Smuggling of Persons

Answer: (C)

Kidnapping is defined by the act of intentionally or knowingly abducting another person. That exact phrasing matches the statutory definition, where abducting someone—taking or carrying them away by force, threat, or deception and holding or moving them—is the core element of the offense.

Abduction is a related but distinct crime that centers on restraining a person’s liberty with the intent to prevent liberation, often to facilitate another offense, and does not necessarily involve the broader act of abducting to hold or transport them as kidnapping does. Unlawful restraint also involves restraining someone, but without the specific abduction language tied to kidnapping. Smuggling of persons is about transporting individuals across borders illegally for financial gain, not about abducting with the intent to hold or confine.