565.115. Child kidnapping--penalty. - Missouri Statutes

Child kidnapping--penalty.

565.115. 1. A person commits the crime of child kidnapping if suchperson is not a relative of the child within the third degree and suchperson:

(1) Unlawfully removes a child under the age of fourteen without theconsent of such child's parent or guardian from the place where such childis found; or

(2) Unlawfully confines a child under the age of fourteen without theconsent of such child's parent or guardian.

2. In determining whether the child was removed or confinedunlawfully, it is an affirmative defense that the person reasonablybelieved that the person's actions were necessary to preserve the childfrom danger to his or her welfare.

3. Child kidnapping is a class A felony.

(L. 2004 H.B. 1487)

Effective 6-17-04