What is necessary for an act to be considered kidnapping in the second degree?

For an act to be considered kidnapping in the second degree, it is essential that the abduction occurs without the involvement of a lethal threat. This highlights that the act is not necessarily violent or life-threatening but still constitutes an unlawful taking or confinement of another person. The absence of a lethal threat differentiates second-degree kidnapping from more severe classifications, where the use of deadly force or threats would elevate the charge.

The focus here is on the act of abducting someone, which is framed within the context of criminal intent rather than dependent upon the actual use of deadly force or threats. In essence, second-degree kidnapping centers on the act of taking or confining someone against their will, without the necessity of threatening their life to meet the legal criteria for this particular offense.