New York statute
N.Y. Penal Law § 135.55 — Substitution of children
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.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 135.55
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.
135.55 Substitution of children.
A person is guilty of substitution of children when, having been
temporarily entrusted with a child less than one year old and intending
to deceive a parent, guardian or other lawful custodian of such child,
he substitutes, produces or returns to such parent, guardian or
custodian a child other than the one entrusted.
Substitution of children is a class E felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
What class of felony is substitution of children in New York?
Substitution of children is a Class E Felony in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 135.55.
Which New York statute covers substitution of children?
Substitution of children is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 135.55 (Substitution of children).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.