The news that you cannot see your children unless it's under the court's terms is, undoubtedly, a hard pill to swallow. While most parents accept the decision, others place law enforcement through a lengthy chase and move their children across state lines. Such is the case of 39-year-old Sawsan Hadidi, who fled Riverside with her two children and now faces multiple felony charges.

On June 11, a judge granted Hadidi physical custody of her children under the condition that she stays in a specific location. Hadidi disappeared with her children the next day, and police found her in Chicago months later. Efforts to locate the children included Amber Alerts and placing her image on billboards across the East Coast. The Riverside DA, Police Department, State Police, and the U.S. Marshal Service also helped track Hadidi down.

Hadidi now faces trial on six felony charges, including two counts of endangering a child's welfare, concealment of a child's whereabouts, and intentional interference with a child's custody.

Although not all parents take the extreme route of child abduction, going against the court can permanently affect your case. Incidents of parental kidnapping are not uncommon. However, significant penalties come with actions like those of Hadidi, and kidnapping is the worst possible route to seeing your children. Without a solid defense strategy, you face significant implications that extend far beyond prison time.

Implications Parental Child Abduction in PA

Even if you are the parent, you risk committing a third-degree felony if you kidnap your children and flee from the police. Without a strong defense strategy, you face prison and permanently damage your relationship with your family.

A criminal record affects your life after you leave prison. You'll have fewer housing opportunities, and employers may refuse to hire you. Despite the gravity of the case, there are some ways that you can defend against parental kidnapping allegations. For example, if you can prove that there was a good reason for your actions, or if the child is above 14, you may reduce the charge to a misdemeanor.

While you may not altogether remove the penalties, there is a chance to decrease the implications and move on with your life. To build a strong defense, you need an expert attorney with thorough knowledge of the PA legal system. Even if you have a solid reason for your actions and good intentions, you must prove it to the court and provide sufficient evidence.

Defending Against Parental Kidnapping

Our Family Law Team helps parents facing kidnapping allegations take charge of their case. By crafting a solid defense strategy and clarifying your intent, our Family Law Team increases the chances of a favorable case outcome.

Regardless of the details surrounding your case, you still have the right to defend against allegations. Let our Family Law Team be your ally during this challenging time while you focus on rebuilding your relationship with your family.

Call  our Family Law Team and the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to discuss your case in confidence and maximize your chances of success in court.