Description
The crime of Child Abduction, also known as “”child stealing”” is to take or conceal any child from their legal guardian when you have no right of custody over the child. Child stealing is similar to Kidnapping, however Child Abduction is considered a crime against the parent of the abducted child. The prosecution must prove that the child was maliciously taken. A parent with shared custody has the right to travel with their children even without consent from the other parent, as long as the children are not taken for an illegal purpose or with illegal intent. Deprivation of Child Custody statutes set punishments for an individual who interferes with another person’s right of visitation. Examples of Child Abduction include failure to return a child to the parent with lawful custody or to take the child to a location without the consent or knowledge of the parent with lawful custody.
What does the prosecutor have to prove?
1. Defendant took, detained, concealed, or enticed away a minor child.
2. Defendant did not have a right of custody of the child.
3. Defendant acted maliciously and with the intent to detain or conceal the child from a lawful custodian of that child. [PC 278]
Punishment
Felony: 2years/3years/4years
Misdemeanor: 0-364 days