Pennsylvania Custody Disputes Can Lead to Felony Criminal Charges 

July 21, 2026

One Williamsport father recently learned how quickly child custody disputes can escalate and lead to serious criminal charges. Police quickly apprehended 35-year-old Douglas Goodwin after allegations that he lured his daughter away from his mother, who has care and custody over Goodwin’s daughter. Goodwin was charged with violating a protection from abuse (PFA) order his mother had obtained against him. 

Police and prosecutors respond rapidly and aggressively when they believe a child’s welfare is in jeopardy. If you find yourself facing a criminal investigation or charges pertaining to a child custody dispute, contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm immediately. Call 888-535-3686 or contact us online for prompt and professional help. 

Common Child Custody Dispute Charges in Pennsylvania 

Just because you are your child’s biological parent does not mean your parental rights are absolute. Court orders, such as PFAs and parenting plans, can limit your rights to see and spend time with your child and curtail other parental rights.  

Violating a court’s custody orders often results in a swift response from law enforcement. A warrant could be issued for your arrest, and prosecutors can file criminal charges that make it impossible for you to see your child until they are resolved. 

PA’s Interference with the Custody of Children law makes it a felony for any person to unlawfully and knowingly or recklessly take or entice a child under 18 away from the child’s lawful parent, guardian, or custodian. This is generally a felony of the third degree, but it can be a felony of the second degree the person is not the child’s parent or equivalent and the circumstances cause serious alarm for the child’s safety. 

Concealing the Whereabouts of a Child, another PA law, generally makes it a felony of the third degree for any person to remove a child from the child’s parent or guardian without legal justification and with the intent to conceal the child’s location.  

Successful Defenses to Child Custody-Related Criminal Charges 

Facing felony criminal charges relating to custody disputes in Pennsylvania can be frightening. However, several good defense strategies could be available to you. Depending on your circumstances, these might include: 

  • Your child was 14 years of age or older and left their home without any enticement 
  • You acted to protect your child from imminent injury or death 
  • You had no prior knowledge of the court’s orders 
  • The court’s orders were not clear 
  • You did not demonstrate an intent to endanger your child, alarm others, or conceal your child’s whereabouts

A thorough investigation is key to locating witnesses, court documents, and other evidence that can support your defense and undermine the prosecution’s case. 

Take Action Today to Address Your Custody-Related Criminal Case 

Once law enforcement or prosecutors issue an arrest warrant, your ability to modify custody orders in family court can become more complicated. Addressing your criminal custody charges first can help you protect and reassert your parental rights. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team stands ready to help you fight back against these serious allegations. Call our offices today at 888-535-3686, or complete our online form. 

 

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