Kidnapping / Abduction in Virginia
747 cases across 11 jurisdictions · 2025
Charge statistics were restated in July 2026 — cases are now grouped by the Virginia Code section charged. What changed and why
Of 747 kidnapping / abduction cases filed in 2025 across 11 Virginia jurisdictions, 504 reached an outcome — an average dismissal rate of 82.2% and an average conviction rate of 15.9%. Statewide, 8.9% of Kidnapping / Abduction charges are reduced to a lesser offense.
Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and nolle prosequi (prosecutor-dropped cases). Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Rates are averaged across 11 jurisdictions with available data. Data covers 2025 public court records. Last updated: July 8, 2026
Key takeaways
- Across 11 Virginia jurisdictions, Kidnapping / Abduction cases had an average dismissal rate of 82.2% and conviction rate of 15.9% in 2025 (747 cases).
- Dismissal rates ranged from 62.4% in Virginia Beach to 98.4% in Fairfax County among jurisdictions with kidnapping / abduction data.
- Statewide, 8.9% of Kidnapping / Abduction charges were reduced to a lesser offense.
Exhibit · Outcomes vary by court
Where Kidnapping / Abduction cases are dismissed or dropped, by jurisdiction
Across the 10 busiest courts98.4% in Fairfax County to 62.4% in Virginia Beach — same charge, different result by court.
Select Your Jurisdiction
Outcomes vary significantly by court. Type your county or city below to find it quickly.
Comparison by Court
| Jurisdiction | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate | Median Duration | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport News | 141 | 91.2% | 5.3% | 4.7 months | 6.7 years |
| Richmond City | 95 | 79.6% | 20.4% | 3.2 months | 6.9 years |
| Fairfax County | 86 | 98.4% | 1.6% | 4.5 months | 1.0 years |
| Norfolk | 82 | 75.4% | 20.1% | 5.0 months | 7.6 years |
| Prince William County | 73 | 81.7% | 16.0% | 5.4 months | 2.0 years |
| Virginia Beach | 67 | 62.4% | 35.2% | 5.3 months | 3.0 years |
| Chesterfield County | 60 | 88.3% | 11.7% | 3.0 months | 2.7 years |
| Henrico County | 56 | 74.5% | 21.4% | 3.7 months | 3.8 years |
| Spotsylvania County | 38 | 65.4% | 34.6% | 7.4 months | 7.8 years |
| Portsmouth | 28 | 93.8% | 6.2% | 4.6 months | 2.0 years |
| Chesapeake | 21 | 63.6% | 36.4% | 5.4 months | 3.5 years |
Source: Virginia public court records, 2025 — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Related Virginia Statutes
Virginia Code sections associated with Kidnapping / Abduction charges.
Case Dismissed?
If your Kidnapping / Abduction case was dismissed or dropped, you may be eligible to have it sealed from your record.
Data source: Virginia public court records, 2025. 747 cases analyzed across 11 jurisdictions. Last updated July 8, 2026. — VirginiaCourtFile.com
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results.
What's Next
Kidnapping / Abduction dismissal rates range from 62% to 98% across Virginia. Your court matters. An attorney who handles Kidnapping / Abduction cases in your court can review your case — free.
Want data specific to your court and situation? Check your case