Which factor may lead to felony charges in parental or relative kidnapping?

The determination of felony charges in cases of parental or relative kidnapping often hinges on the potential harm or danger a child is exposed to during the act of taking them. When a child is taken in a manner that places them in a harmful or precarious situation, this can elevate the seriousness of the offense to felony charges.

Exposing a child to danger can encompass various scenarios, such as removing the child from a safe environment or placing them in a potentially harmful context, which holds significant legal implications. The law prioritizes the safety and well-being of children, and actions that jeopardize that safety are treated with heightened severity.

Other factors like taking a child without permission may not automatically correlate with felony kidnapping charges if no danger is presented. Similarly, negotiating with child services does not inherently involve the wrongful taking of a child nor suggests criminal activity. Kidnapping a person over 18 years old falls outside the realm of parental or relative kidnapping, as the focus here is specifically on minors and familial relationships. The nature of exposing a child to danger clearly underscores the gravity of such actions in the legal framework.