Oklahoma § 21-856.2 - Harboring endangered runaway child
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-856.2 — Harboring endangered runaway child, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-856.2. Harboring endangered runaway child
It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly and willfully
harbour an endangered runaway child. Any person violating the
provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one
(1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Every person
convicted of a second or any subsequent violation shall, upon
conviction, be guilty of a Class D2 felony offense punishable by a
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
fine not exceeding Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by
imprisonment as provided for in subsection C of Section 20O of this
title, or by both such fine and imprisonment. For purposes of this
section, an “endangered runaway child” means an unemancipated minor
who is voluntarily absent from the home for seventy-two (72) hours
or more without a compelling reason and without the consent of a
custodial parent or other custodial adult or an unemancipated minor
who is voluntarily absent from the home without a compelling reason
and without the consent of a custodial parent or other custodial
adult and the child needs medication or other special services. For
purposes of this section, “compelling reason” shall be defined as
provided in Section 856 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 196, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996. Amended by Laws
1997, c. 133, § 256, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex.Sess., c.
5, § 160, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2025, c. 486, § 596, eff. Jan. 1,
2026.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective
date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 256 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-856.2
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-856.2 cover?
Section 21-856.2 ("Harboring endangered runaway child") 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 § 21-856.2?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-856.2" (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 § 21-856.2 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.