Wisconsin § 940.305 - Taking hostages.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 940.305 — Taking hostages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 940.305. Taking hostages.
940.305(1) (1) Except as provided in sub. (2) , whoever by force or threat of imminent force seizes, confines or restrains a person without the person’s consent and with the intent to use the person as a hostage in order to influence a person to perform or not to perform some action demanded by the actor is guilty of a Class B felony. 940.305(2) (2) Whoever commits a violation specified under sub. (1) is guilty of a Class C felony if, before the time of the actor’s arrest, each person who is held as a hostage is released without bodily harm. 940.305 History History: 1979 c. 118 ; 1993 a. 194 ; 2001 a. 109 . 940.305 Annotation The constitutionality of this section is upheld. State v. Bertrand, 162 Wis. 2d 411 , 469 N.W.2d 873 (Ct. App. 1991).
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 940.305
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 940.305 cover?
Section 940.305 ("Taking hostages.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 940.305?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 940.305" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 940.305 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.