Torture

If you cause great bodily harm to another person with the intention of causing cruel or extreme pain and suffering and you are motivated by revenge, extortion (blackmail), persuasion, or for any sadistic purpose, you are guilty of torture.

Torture is a serious offense that is punishable by a life sentence. For this reason, please contact a skilled defense attorney immediately to discuss your situation.

“Great bodily harm” is defined as a significant or substantial physical injury. Depending on the circumstances, the sentences for the crime of torture can vary. Each of these circumstances can add time to your sentence that is to be served consecutively with any other sentence:

• If during the commission or attempted commission of a felony you inflict great bodily harm on any person other than your accomplice, your sentence will be increased by three years.
• If the person you harmed falls into a coma as a result of a brain injury, or if they suffer permanent paralysis , your sentence will be increased by five years.
• If you inflict great bodily harm on a person who is 70 years old or older, your sentence will be increased by five years.
• If they are a child 5 years or younger, your sentence will be increased by four, five, or six years.
• If the circumstances of the event involve domestic violence , your sentence will be increased by three, four, or five years.

These additional sentences do not apply in murder or manslaughter cases, or in cases of arson or unlawfully setting a fire. Also, prosecutors can add on any of the first four additional sentences if they apply, but they cannot add more than one to a single charge.