Q: Can the non-custodial parent take the child without consent and i do not know the whereabouts of my child (Missouri)

A: Title XXXVIII CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT; PEACE OFFICERS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS

  Chapter 565

  565.153. Parental kidnapping — penalty. — 1. In the absence of a court order determining rights of custody or visitation to a child, a person having a right of custody of the child commits the offense of parental kidnapping if he or she removes, takes, detains, conceals, or entices away that child within or without the state, without good cause, and with the intent to deprive the custody right of another person or a public agency also having a custody right to that child.

  2. Parental kidnapping is a class E felony, unless committed by detaining or concealing the whereabouts of the child for:

  (1) Not less than sixty days but not longer than one hundred nineteen days, in which case, the offense is a class D felony;

  (2) Not less than one hundred twenty days, in which case, the offense is a class B felony.

  3. A subsequently obtained court order for custody or visitation shall not affect the application of this section.

  4. Upon a finding of guilt for an offense under this section, the court may, in addition to or in lieu of any sentence or fine imposed, assess as restitution against the defendant and in favor of the legal custodian or parent, any reasonable expenses incurred by the legal custodian or parent in searching for or returning the child.

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(L. 1988 H.B. 1272, et al. § 2, A.L. 2008 S.B. 714, et al., A.L. 2014 S.B. 491)

Effective 1-01-17