Kidnapping / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1201(a)(1) is a federal offense that prohibits the taking of a person against their will or without their consent by force, threat, or deception. It is a felony punishable by up to life in prison. There are two types of Kidnapping / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1201(a)(1): first-degree and second-degree. First-degree kidnapping occurs when the victim is taken across state lines, held for ransom, or held with the intent to commit a felony. Second-degree kidnapping occurs when the victim is taken within the state lines, confined in a secret place, or held without the victim's consent. In either case, the offender is subject to severe penalties, including a possible life sentence.