N.Y. Penal Law Section 260.05
Non-support of a child in the second degree

A person is guilty of non-support of a child when:

1.

being a parent, guardian or other person legally charged with the care or custody of a child less than sixteen years old, he or she fails or refuses without lawful excuse to provide support for such child when he or she is able to do so, or becomes unable to do so, when, though employable, he or she voluntarily terminates his or her employment, voluntarily reduces his or her earning capacity, or fails to diligently seek employment; or

2.

being a parent, guardian or other person obligated to make child support payments by an order of child support entered by a court of competent jurisdiction for a child less than eighteen years old, he or she knowingly fails or refuses without lawful excuse to provide support for such child when he or she is able to do so, or becomes unable to do so, when, though employable, he or she voluntarily terminates his or her employment, voluntarily reduces his or her earning capacity, or fails to diligently seek employment. Non-support of a child in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Source: Section 260.05 — Non-support of a child in the second degree, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PEN/260.­05 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Feb. 28, 2026).

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Verified:
Feb. 28, 2026

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 260.05. Non-support of a child in the second degree's source at nysenate​.gov

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