Vermont § 2451 - Custodial interference
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 2451 — Custodial interference, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2451. Custodial interference
- (a) A person commits custodial interference by taking, enticing, or keeping a child from
the child’s lawful custodian, knowingly, without a legal right to do so, when the
person is a relative of the child and the child is less than 18 years old. (b) A person who commits custodial interference shall be imprisoned not more than five
years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both. (c) It shall be a defense to a charge of keeping a child from the child’s lawful custodian
that the person charged with the offense was acting in good faith to protect the child
from real and imminent physical danger. Evidence of good faith shall include the filing
of a nonfrivolous petition documenting that danger and seeking to modify the custodial
decree in a Vermont court of competent jurisdiction. This petition must be filed within
three business days of the termination of visitation rights. This defense shall not
be available if the person charged with the offense has left the State with the child. (Added 1979, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 24, 1980; amended 2017, No. 11, § 25.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 2451
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 2451 cover?
Section 2451 ("Custodial interference") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 2451?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 2451" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 2451 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont 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 Vermont.