Oklahoma § 21-567A - Violation of child custody order – Affirmative defense –
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-567A — Violation of child custody order – Affirmative defense –, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-567A. Violation of child custody order – Affirmative defense –
Emergency or protective custody.
A. Any parent or other person who violates an order of any
court of this state granting the custody of a child under the age of
eighteen (18) years to any person, agency, institution, or other
facility, with the intent to deprive the lawful custodian of the
custody of the child shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class D3
felony offense and shall be punished by imprisonment as provided for
in subsections B through F of Section 20P of this title. The fine
for a violation of this subsection shall not exceed Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000.00).
B. The offender shall have an affirmative defense if the
offender reasonably believes that the act was necessary to preserve
the child from physical, mental, or emotional danger to the child’s
welfare and the offender notifies the local law enforcement agency
nearest to the location where the custodian of the child resides.
C. If a child is removed from the custody of the child’s lawful
custodian pursuant to the provisions of this section any law
enforcement officer may take the child into custody without a court
order and, unless there is a specific court order directing a law
enforcement officer to take the child into custody and release or
return the child to a lawful custodian, the child shall be held in
emergency or protective custody pursuant to the provisions of
Section 1-4-201 of Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 385, § 1, emerg. eff. June 8, 1999. Amended
by Laws 2009, c. 234, § 119, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009; Laws 2025, c.
486, § 666, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-567A
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-567A cover?
Section 21-567A ("Violation of child custody order – Affirmative defense –") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma § 21-567A?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-567A" (Oklahoma). 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 Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 21-567A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.