Jun 28, 2020

NY Penal Law § 135.50: Custodial Interference in the First Degree

Custodial Interference in the First Degree: Understanding New York Penal Law § 135.50

There are numerous laws established to protect the welfare of children. A number of these laws are specifically designed to protect children as well as certain adults who are in the lawful custody of an individual or an institution.

If you remove a person from the lawful custody of another individual or institution and refuse to return that person, you have committed a crime. If, on top of removing them, you do this in a manner that may cause harm to that person or if you remove the person from the State of New York, you could face a charge of custodial interference in the first degree.

Legal Definition Under New York Law

Under New York Penal Law § 135.50, custodial interference in the first degree is delineated as:

• Taking, by a relative, a minor child who is under the age of 16 from the lawful custody of their parent or guardian with the intention of keeping the child away permanently or for a protracted period of time,
• Taking an individual who is incompetent from the lawful custody of another person, or
• Unlawfully removing someone who is lawfully in the custody of an institution;

and you additionally

• Take the individual to another state, or
• Place the person’s health or safety in peril.

For Example

Jennifer had visitation with her 10 year old son three days a week, while the child’s father has physical custody on the other four days of the week. At the end of her regular visitation, Jennifer attempted to return the child to his father.

At the scheduled time, the father was not home and did not respond to repeated phone calls and messages. This was not abnormal. In response, Jennifer kept the child with her and continuously attempted to get in touch with the father.

After two months Jennifer relocated to another state, since she was offered a better paying job. After three months, the child’s father materialized, and he demanded Jennifer to return the child to him. Jennifer refused to do so. The father then reported Jennifer to the police.

Jennifer could possibly be charged with custodial interference on the basis of the fact that she took the child to another state and then refused to return him to his father on demand. That said, Jennifer may also have a valid defense because, under the circumstances, it can be said that the child was abandoned by the custodial parent.

Offenses that are Related

Possible Defenses

Under the custodial interference in the first degree statute, it is a defense against such a charge if you remove the person from lawful custody due to the fact that the person has been abandoned or because the person has been subjected to abuse or mistreatment.

The Sentence

Since custodial interference in the first degree is categorized as a class E felony, the maximum possible prison sentence you could face is 4 years. In particular, if you have no prior convictions, the judge may decide to sentence you to a probation term of 5 years instead of sending you to serve a prison term.

Understanding Child Custody in New York

According to New York State Courts, custody orders give responsibility for the child’s care to one or both parents or to someone else. New York Domestic Relations Law provides that courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child.

The legal framework for custody in New York recognizes both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides). When parents violate these court-ordered arrangements, they may face criminal charges under the custodial interference statutes.

NY Penal Law § 135.50: Custodial Interference in the First Degree