Los Angeles, California

Abduction of Minors

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Legal Services

Do you need immediate legal help? Our attorneys are available for a free consultation.

California Penal Code 278 defines the California crime of “abduction of minors.” This crime is also commonly known as “child stealing.” You violate this law if you maliciously take a child when you do not have the right to custody of the child, or if you are the parent of the child and your custodial rights have not been restricted or revoked by the court, or have been given a court custody order.

Child abduction does not require that you take the child somewhere else, only that you intend to or hide them from their legal guardian.

Penalties

Prosecutors may charge the offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

If convicted as a misdemeanor, you face up to one year in county jail and a maximum of $1,000 in fines.

If convicted as a felony, you face up to four years in California State Prison and a maximum of $10,000 in fines. You will also be required to reimburse the victim and/or prosecutor’s agency for reasonable costs they incurred in trying to locate and return the child.

Fortunately, there are a variety of legal defenses available when a child is taken, and your criminal defense attorney at Progresso Legal Group P.C. could file them on your behalf to make this distressing time easier.

WE HAVE BEEN SERVING HISPANIC FAMILIES WITH THEIR LEGAL PROCESSES FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS

Contact Our Attorneys
Criminal Defense | Immigration | Family