565.156. Child abduction — penalty.
It’s a crime to take or keep a child in ways that break custody rules.
This law makes it illegal to take, hide, or keep a child when you’re not supposed to—especially during custody disputes, across state lines, or for payment.
1. A person commits child abduction if they:
- (1) Take or hide a child after being served legal papers in a marriage or paternity case, but before a custody order is issued;
- (2) Don’t return the child to Missouri after out-of-state visitation ends;
- (3) Take or hide a child for money on behalf of someone without custody rights;
- (4) Keep a child in Missouri for over 30 days who was taken from another state in violation of a court order or without consent;
- (5) Have legal custody but take or hide the child without a good reason and without written consent, with the intent to block someone else’s custody or visitation rights.
2. Child abduction is a class E felony.
3. If found guilty, the court may also order the person to repay the legal custodian or parent for costs spent searching for or returning the child.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
