When Armed Robbery and Kidnapping Collide in Maryland

 Posted on October 08, 2025 in Violent Crimes

Montgomery County Police are searching for two suspects wanted in connection with an armed robbery, kidnapping, and homicide that occurred on September 21 in North Bethesda. A third suspect is in custody and is being held without bond. What likely began as an armed robbery quickly escalated into a homicide, then the kidnapping of two individuals. While the homicide charge is the most serious, the armed robbery (Maryland Code Criminal Law Section 3-403) and kidnapping charges also carry extremely severe penalties in Maryland.

Armed robbery is among the most serious charges under Maryland law, but when the situation involves restraining, moving, or detaining a victim, a second charge of kidnapping can follow. The combination of these two charges dramatically increases the stakes for the accused. If you are being charged with either armed robbery or kidnapping – or both – speaking to an experienced Northern Baltimore County, MD criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is crucial.

How Does Maryland Define Armed Robbery and Kidnapping?

Armed robbery in the state begins with the underlying criminal offense of robbery, which is defined as taking property from another person by force or threat of force with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of the property. The "armed" component is added when a deadly weapon is used or displayed during the robbery, elevating the robbery to aggravated robbery with much more severe penalties.

A kidnapping in Maryland involves unlawfully "seizing" a person, whether by force or fraud, carrying them, or causing them to be carried with the intent to conceal or hide them. Kidnapping (Section 3-502) involves restricting the victim’s freedom and moving or causing the victim to be moved to a different location, whether inside or outside the state of Maryland.

Maryland Penalties for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping

Armed robbery is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Because it is a crime of violence, a person convicted of the offense must serve at least 50 percent of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Kidnapping also carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and is also considered a crime of violence.

If a child is kidnapped, the penalty jumps to a 30-year maximum prison sentence.  When kidnapping or assault is added to the charge of armed robbery, there could potentially be consecutive sentencing, meaning a potential for 40 or more years in prison with no possibility of parole until at least half the sentence is served.

How Does Armed Robbery Turn into Kidnapping?

There are many different scenarios that explain how an armed robbery can unexpectedly turn into a kidnapping. These scenarios include:

• A forced ATM withdrawal, where the victim is driven to several locations to withdraw money.
• An initial robbery attempt that does not yield the expected results, so the defendant takes the victim to other locations (i.e., a business or another home).
• A victim who is taken as a means of demanding a larger sum of money (ransom), even though this was not the intended crime.
• Taking a victim to serve as insurance or leverage so armed robbers can make a safe escape from a crime scene.
• Using the victim as a human shield or hostage during a getaway.

Is Armed Robbery with Kidnapping One Crime or Two?

Courts will determine whether the restraint was "incidental to the robbery," or a separate criminal act, although the answer is usually a separate criminal act. Even moving a person a short distance to get cash from another ATM is considered kidnapping. If the kidnapping crosses a state line, there is also the potential for federal charges.

Contact a Harford County, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

The intersection of armed robbery and kidnapping can be a legal minefield, with prosecutors often overcharging to gain leverage. If you are facing these serious accusations, obtaining skilled legal assistance is essential. A Northern Baltimore County, MD armed robbery lawyer from Baltimore Legal Services can make sure you receive a comprehensive, aggressive defense.