Stalking and kidnapping are serious criminal offenses in New Jersey. Not only do they carry significant prison sentences and hefty fines, but they also force defendants to suffer harsh negative consequences for the rest of their lives. They require a strong defense, including relevant evidence and witness testimony to support it.   

If you or someone you love has been accused of stalking or kidnapping, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online. 

New Jersey Crimes: Stalking and Kidnapping 

At the end of 2023, police in New Jersey and Michigan, as well as the FBI, arrested George Mandarakas, a 36-year-old New Jersey resident, for allegedly planning to kidnap his ex-girlfriend on Christmas Day. Apparently, the couple had met in 2019 at the University of Notre Dame, where Mandarakas had pretended to be a student. The couple dated for almost four years before his girlfriend discovered he was actually in his thirties and broke up with him.  

Once the relationship ended, the defendant allegedly began stalking the victim, even going so far as to drive from New Jersey to Detroit to watch her. When Mandarakas was searched, law enforcement found a satellite cell phone, guns, knives, handcuffs, and maps that showed how long it would take to sail from New Jersey to Morocco and Florida to Cuba.   

In New Jersey, stalking is graded as a third-degree or fourth-degree offense. While third-degree offenses face 3 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $15,000, fourth-degree offenses carry up to 18 months in prison and up to $10,000 in potential fines.  

Additionally, stalking convictions can influence other areas of your life. For instance, if you are going through the immigration process, your immigration could be denied, and you could be deported to your home country. You can be prevented from joining a branch of the United States Military, pursuing certain jobs, or even getting approved for an apartment.     

In contrast to stalking charges, kidnapping charges are considered first-degree felonies unless the defendant released the victim unharmed and in a safe place before being arrested. That would be considered a second-degree felony carrying. Either way, these charges carry hefty prison sentences, such as 15 to 30 years if the alleged victim is over 16 years old.  

Here, Mandarakas was allegedly trying to kidnap his ex-girlfriend, who was over the age of 16 at the time. Thus, he is looking at a 20-year prison sentence if convicted.  

How Lento Law Law Firm Can Help 

The only way to ensure you have a solid defense for kidnapping and stalking charges is to work with a qualified and experienced criminal attorney. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team understands how overwhelming these charges are, especially when an individual is falsely accused. As such, they will work diligently to prepare you for trial, including negotiating with the prosecution from the moment you are arrested. Call 888-535-3686 today for help or schedule a consultation online.