Child custody can be a complex subject, requiring intervention in court. Usually, a judge imposes the custody and visitation arrangement through an order, a legally enforceable document. A deliberate violation of this order can be a custody interference offense with varying penalties.
Many scenarios can come across as interference, but it depends on the circumstances surrounding and leading up to the incident. A party’s misconduct can be unlawful if they endangered the child or intentionally went against the parenting schedule to keep the child away from the other parent. If an individual commits an interference offense, they may face the following sanctions:
- First offense – A misdemeanor charge and a fine ranging from $200 to $500, including imprisonment lasting from one to five months
- Second offense – A misdemeanor charge and a fine ranging from $400 to $1,000, including imprisonment lasting from three to 12 months
- Third offense – A felony charge and imprisonment lasting from one to five years
These penalties are effective when the offending party receives a conviction for the interference. Still, the appropriate sanctions can vary based on the situation. Sometimes, the offense can bring about additional charges, depending on the case details.
Complying with the child custody and visitation order
As parents, staying informed concerning essential terms in the custody and visitation order is crucial. If a party disagrees with any conditions, they can request modifications using the appropriate process instead of resorting to custody interference.
In these instances, compliance is essential while waiting for updates to the order. By adhering to this document, the involved parties can raise the child adequately and avoid committing interference offenses.