First-degree kidnapping occurs when a person abducts another person to obtain ransom (N.Y. Penal Code § 135.25 [McKinney 1996]). First-degree kidnapping also occurs when the abduction lasts for more than twelve hours and the abductor intends to injure the victim, accomplish or advance the commission of a felony, terrorize the victim or a third person, or interfere with a governmental or political function. An abduction that results in death is also first-degree kidnapping. A first-degree kidnapping in New York is a class A-1 felony, which requires a sentence of at least twenty years in prison (§ 70.00).

Kidnapping in the first degree.

(1) A person is guilty of kidnapping in the first degree if he intentionally abducts another person with intent:

(a) To hold him for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage; or

(b) To facilitate commission of any felony or flight thereafter; or

(c) To inflict bodily injury on him; or

(d) To inflict extreme mental distress on him or a third person; or

(e) To interfere with the performance of any governmental function.

(2) Kidnapping in the first degree is a class A felony.

The taking of a person with force, threat, or deceipt. The first degree part has to do with premeditation.