{"id":351996,"date":"2023-08-22T14:22:22","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T19:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/amber-alerts.html"},"modified":"2025-05-13T14:22:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T19:22:00","slug":"amber-alerts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/amber-alerts.html","title":{"rendered":"AMBER Alerts: Law and Background"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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AMBER Alerts: Law and Background<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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AMBER Alerts are used to help resolve child abduction cases. AMBER is an acronym for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The AMBER Alert system provides quick dissemination of public information about child abductions. The system informs the public about child abductions<\/a> through various media outlets, including television, radio, and cell phone networks. <\/p>\r\n

AMBER Alerts can involve many legal areas and complicated personal situations. For example, they sometimes arise during child custody disputes<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A person accused of child abduction may face arrest and criminal charges. In such cases, you’ll likely want to get legal guidance and representation right away. A criminal defense lawyer<\/a> can advise you on how to speak to the police, understand your rights, and ensure the safety of the child.<\/p>\r\n

AMBER Alerts Law: Formation of the System<\/h2>\r\n

The AMBER Alert Program takes its name from 9-year-old Amber Hagerman. She was abducted and murdered in Arlington, Texas, in 1996. Amber’s parents promptly reported the abduction to authorities and the media, but their efforts were to no avail. Their child’s body was found in a drainage ditch four days after the kidnapping.<\/p>\r\n

The Hagermans pushed Texas legislators to create the AMBER Alert plan. Other states soon developed their own AMBER Alert systems.<\/p>\r\n

Is the AMBER Alert System Nationwide?<\/h3>\r\n

Yes, but it is a decentralized system made of individual state-level programs. Today, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have active AMBER Alert programs.<\/p>\r\n

The Federal PROTECT Act<\/h3>\r\n

On April 30, 2003, President George W. Bush signed the PROTECT Act<\/a>. The PROTECT Act established the federal government’s role in the AMBER Alert system.<\/p>\r\n

The law appropriated over $20 million for the National AMBER Alert Network. It provided grants to the states for developing or enhancing notification systems. Every state now has an AMBER Alert system. It also created a national AMBER Alert coordinator.<\/p>\r\n

In addition, the PROTECT Act:<\/p>\r\n