RI Domestic Kidnapping Attorney
RI Custody & Parental Kidnapping Laws
In regard to child custody in Rhode Island, one or both parties may not agree to the terms determined by a judge. Sometimes, one parent or legal guardian may have possession of their child longer than expected or go so far as to kidnap the child, although they do not believe they are doing such a thing. However, it is still considered a crime, especially when a person fails to comply or violates court orders and custodial/visitation rights.
If you are accused of child snatching, our RI domestic kidnapping lawyer at The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq. is committed to helping you fight these charges against you. Whether it’s because your failure to return a child was due to circumstances out of your control or some other incident, he can provide you with the experienced and skilled legal representation necessary to protect your rights and reputation.
Discuss your case in a free consultation with our team today!
RI Parental Kidnapping Definition and Penalties
According to Rhode Island General Laws, child snatching is defined as taking a child under 18 years of age with intent to deny another party’s right of custody based on an existing decree or family court order. Those charged with child snatching shall be charged with a felony. You could completely lose what child custody rights you have now.
Penalties for child snatching may include:
- A maximum prison sentence of 2 years
- A fine of up to $10,000
If you are accused of domestic child snatching, you have to take the accusations seriously. If you have other marks on your criminal record, especially some pertaining to domestic violence, it is possible that your penalties could be worsened.
Legal Defenses for Parental Kidnapping
However, our RI domestic kidnapping lawyer can use the following as affirmative defenses for child snatching:
- The defendant had possessed legal visitation rights or lawful custody which was ordered by the court
- The defendant was retreating an occurrence or pattern of domestic violence
- The defendant couldn’t return the child in a timely manner due to unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances, despite attempting to contact or inform the other party
- The defendant made an attempt to return the child within 24 hours after visitation was complete
Experienced, Skilled & Trustworthy Legal Representation
Sometimes, a child-snatching case can be construed as a miscommunication between both parties or as complicated as denying a parent’s rights to their child. Our RI domestic kidnapping lawyer possesses the in-depth understanding of the state laws and court processes in order to help you get your charges reduced or completely dismissed. Not only can conviction result in prison time and expensive fines, but also the loss of custody of your child.
Contact The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian and schedule your free consultation today.

Testimonials
Read Our Clients' Success Stories-
Britney
Tom was great!
-
Edward
Utmost professionalism and results.
-
Kevin
Easily one of the best lawyers to work with!
-
Joanna
An attorney that gives you peace of mind.
-
Sean
Tom was also available whenever I needed him.
-
Patti
The BEST Attorney!!!
-
Adriana
Fabulous Criminal Lawyer
-
Z
Great Attorney!
-
Michael S.
Put My Mind at Ease!
-
sroeun case
Professional Help
-
KG
Attorney Thomasian is the Best!
-
Jeff H.
Compassionate Man and Awesome Lawyer!
-
Jennifer
Great attorney!
-
Cheryl Barnhill
Thomas stands by the truth and his clients!
-
tor
Well respected, highly recommended
-
Angela A
Tom is by far the best criminal lawyer in the state maybe the country!
-
Maria
Very Patient and Responded Quickly
-
Melissa DiSano
Highly Recommend
-
Karen
I'm proud to say that Thomas Thomasian is my attorney.
-
J. A. Rubio
Excellent
-
Very helpful
Amazing attorney
-
Brian Gault
Excellant Job
-
Austin L
Absolutely and completely satisfied!
-
Mark Talenfeld
Rhode Island's Best Criminal Defense Attorney
-
Grateful Client
Tom Thomasian is an amazing lawyer and a great person!
-
Jessica Rezendes
Mr. Tomasian IS THE BEST
-
K. Nguyen
Great Attoney
-
Stephen L
Great Lawyer
-
Jess d
Great Experience for a Bad Situation!
-
Jim
Highly recommended!
-
Joe Siepietowski
Look no further Tom's the man....
-
Satisfied Client
10 stars for this lawyer...Tom exceeds expectations
-
Deb M.
YOUR SEARCH IS OVER! HIRE THIS GUY!!!
-
Frank
Great Lawyer! Thank You!
-
Gordon
Very good
-
Scott R.
Quick and Painless, Had My Back
-
Deya C.
Great Lawyer
-
JoieR
Thanks, forever grateful.
-
Jesiah Richet
"I love this company!"
-
Calista & Paul
We will be forever grateful!
-
Tanya L.
Wonderful Representation
-
Judy
"Thomas Thomasian #1 Lawyer"
-
Joel
Made me feel like a friend
-
Jean Y
I love the law office of Thomas Thomasion
-
Dasilva
Excellent company
-
Bob S
Top notch representation!
-
Robert
Highly Recommended
-
Katrina
Tom Thomasian is the best!
-
Olga O.
"I love Attorney Thomas C. Thomasian"
-
Laura K
Tom Thomasian was a lifesaver!
-
Andrew R
Tom Thomasian is the best and most professional lawyer in the state of RI
-
Lisa
Best choice
-
J coffey
Great job!
-
Adam C.
ONLY CALL YOU NEED TO MAKE!
-
David Bates
WORDS CANT EXPLAIN MR THOMASIAN
-
Elizabeth
BEST ATTORNEY EVER- DESERVES 20 STARS!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Beth
TREMENDOUS ATTORNEY!!!!!!!!????????????????????
-
EvaW
Professional, Prompt and Courteous!
-
Brady duran
This company is great
-
"No need to worry when Tom Thomasian has your back."
-
E. Suarez
Thomas Thomasian is the best there is and truly cares for his clients.
-
M S
Great Experience!!
-
tanya v.
Such a great amazing lawyer
-
Tanya visinho
" A Hard working & excellent lawyer"
-
Anonymous
Empathetic Lawyer-Excellent Representation
-
Natalie B.
Very professional, prompt and reasonable.
-
Anonymous
Tom is the best!
-
Anonymous
So thankful I had Tom as a lawyer!!
-
Paul
Great Experience!
-
Christen
I thank God everyday for sending Tom to me!!!
-
Maria
Thomas Thomasian was a Blessing
-
Tyree
Great Lawyer
-
Charles I.
Pleasure Working with Tom