Ohio § 2919.23

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 2919.23, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2919.23.

(A) No person, knowing the person is without privilege to do so or being reckless in

that regard, shall entice, take, keep, or harbor a person identified in division (A)(1),

(2), or (3) of this section from the parent, guardian, or custodian of the person

identified in division (A)(1), (2), or (3) of this section: (1) A child under the age of eighteen, or a child with a mental or physical disability

under the age of twenty-one; (2) A person committed by law to an institution for delinquent, unruly, neglected, abused,

or dependent children; (3) A person committed by law to an institution for persons with mental illnesses or

an institution for persons with intellectual disabilities. (B) No person shall aid, abet, induce, cause, or encourage a child or a ward of the juvenile

court who has been committed to the custody of any person, department, or public or

private institution to leave the custody of that person, department, or institution

without legal consent. (C) It is an affirmative defense to a charge of enticing or taking under division (A)(1)

of this section, that the actor reasonably believed that the actor's conduct was necessary

to preserve the child's health or safety.  It is an affirmative defense to a charge of keeping or harboring under division

(A) of this section, that the actor in good faith gave notice to law enforcement or

judicial authorities within a reasonable time after the child or committed person

came under the actor's shelter, protection, or influence. (D)(1) Whoever violates this section is guilty of interference with custody. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this division, a violation of division (A)(1) of

this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.  If the child who is the subject of a violation of division (A)(1) of this section

is removed from the state or if the offender previously has been convicted of an offense

under this section, a violation of division (A)(1) of this section is a felony of

the fifth degree.  If the child who is the subject of a violation of division (A)(1) of this section

suffers physical harm as a result of the violation, a violation of division (A)(1)

of this section is a felony of the fourth degree. (3) A violation of division (A)(2) or (3) of this section is a misdemeanor of the third

degree. (4) A violation of division (B) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.  Each day of violation of division (B) of this section is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 2919.23

What does Ohio Revised Code § 2919.23 cover?

Section 2919.23 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 2919.23?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 2919.23" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 2919.23 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.