Much confusion exists among clients and family law lawyers alike as to when a district attorney’s office will bring criminal charges stemming from family-law-related disputes. Senior Deputy District Attorney Sheldon Kovach and Deputy District Attorney Michael Galantino, both of Delaware County, explain when criminal charges will and will not be filed in family-law-related matters.
Q: When one parent takes a child out of state in violation of a custody order, under what circumstances will the district attorney’s office use its powers to effectuate the return of the child and bring criminal charges?
