New York statute
N.Y. Penal Law § 135.00 — Unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping and custodial interference; definitions of terms
Current through 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)
Part of Article 135: Kidnapping, Coercion and Related Offenses, New York Penal Law.
Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 135.00
Statutory text current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17). This publication reproduces the text of the Consolidated Laws of New York as provided by the New York State Senate's Open Legislation service (Legislative Bill Drafting Commission statutory text); it is not the official statutes of the State of New York.
135.00 Unlawful imprisonment, kidnapping and custodial interference;
definitions of terms.
The following definitions are applicable to this article:
1. "Restrain" means to restrict a person's movements intentionally and
unlawfully in such manner as to interfere substantially with his liberty
by moving him from one place to another, or by confining him either in
the place where the restriction commences or in a place to which he has
been moved, without consent and with knowledge that the restriction is
unlawful. A person is so moved or confined "without consent" when such
is accomplished by (a) physical force, intimidation or deception, or (b)
any means whatever, including acquiescence of the victim, if he is a
child less than sixteen years old or an incompetent person and the
parent, guardian or other person or institution having lawful control or
custody of him has not acquiesced in the movement or confinement.
2. "Abduct" means to restrain a person with intent to prevent his
liberation by either (a) secreting or holding him in a place where he is
not likely to be found, or (b) using or threatening to use deadly
physical force.
3. "Relative" means a parent, ancestor, brother, sister, uncle or
aunt.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.