Plain-Language Summary

Pennsylvania law 18 Pa.C.S. 2902 defines unlawful restraint as knowingly restraining someone in a way that risks serious injury or holding them in involuntary servitude. The severity of charges varies if the victim is a minor and whether the offender is a parent or not. The law categorizes the offense as a first or second-degree felony or misdemeanor based on these factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlawful restraint involves knowingly restraining someone in a way that exposes them to serious injury or holding them in involuntary servitude.

Yes, restraining a minor can be classified as a felony of the second degree, especially if the offender is not a parent or guardian.

Yes, parents who unlawfully restrain their children commit a second-degree felony, while non-parents also face second-degree felony charges for restraining minors.

A parent includes a natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, or guardian of a minor.