Defensas ante interferencia en la custodia y secuestro parental

Explicación Simple

Si alguien no devuelve a un niño a su otro padre, puede haber una buena razón. La ley permite defenderse si tenías permiso, si no pudiste regresar por problemas o si estabas escapando de violencia en casa.

Es como cuando un amigo te presta su bicicleta, pero te retrasas en devolverla porque se pinchó la llanta. Si le avisas rápido y explicas la situación, no te va a enojar.

Ejemplo Práctico

María tiene un acuerdo con su exesposo, Juan, para tener a su hija, Sofía, los fines de semana. Un domingo, María no puede devolver a Sofía porque su auto se descompone. Ella llama a Juan y le explica lo que pasa, y regresa a Sofía tan pronto como puede.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

565.160 - Defenses to interference with custody, parental kidnapping, and child abduction. 565.160. Defenses to interference with custody, parental kidnapping, and child abduction. — It shall be an absolute defense to the offenses of interference with custody, parental kidnapping, and child abduction that: (1) The person had custody of the child pursuant to a valid court order granting legal custody or visitation rights which existed at the time of the alleged violation, except that this defense is not available to persons charged with child abduction under subdivision (5) of subsection 1 of section 565.156 ; (2) After expiration of a period of custody or visitation granted by court order, the person failed to return the child as a result of circumstances beyond such person's control, and the person notified or made a reasonable attempt to notify the other parent or legal custodian of the child of such circumstance within twenty-four hours after the expiration of the period of custody or visitation and returned the child as soon as possible; or (3) The person was fleeing an incident or pattern of domestic violence. (L. 1988 H.B. 1272, et al. § 4, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17