La. Ch. Code art. 814 — LA Code / Code childrens-code / Article 814
Taking child into custody without a court order; duties of the officer; duties of the court
Status: in_force

A. A child may be taken into custody without a court order or warrant by a peace officer or probation officer if the officer has probable cause to believe that the child has committed a delinquent act. When the officer has probable cause to believe that the child has committed a delinquent act, the officer, in lieu of taking the child into custody, may issue a verbal warning to the child.

B. If a child is taken into custody without a court order or warrant, the officer shall have the responsibility to either:

(1) Counsel and release the child to the care of his parents upon their written promise to bring the child to court at such time as may be fixed by the court.

(2) Follow the appropriate procedures set forth in Article 815.

C. If the officer does not release the child to the care of his parents, the officer shall promptly notify the child's parents that he has been taken into custody.

D. The officer shall immediately execute a written statement of facts, sworn to before an officer authorized by law to administer oaths, supporting the existence of probable cause to believe either that the child committed a delinquent act or that the child has violated the terms of his probation or otherwise has violated the terms of his release. This affidavit shall be submitted to the juvenile court. Within forty-eight hours after the child has been taken into custody, including legal holidays within the time computation, the court shall review the affidavit, and if it determines that probable cause exists, the child shall be held for a continued custody hearing pursuant to Article 819. If the court determines that probable cause does not exist, the child shall be released from custody. The provisions of this Paragraph shall not be construed to require the officer who executed the written statement to personally appear in court for any determination of probable cause in connection with the child being taken into custody.

E. The officer shall submit a report to the district attorney or an officer designated by the court to receive such reports. The report shall include:

(1) The name, address, date of birth, sex, and race of the child.

(2) The name and address of the parents, or spouse, if any, of the child.

(3) A plain and concise statement of the facts and circumstances of the officer's taking the child into custody.

(4) A plain and concise statement of facts and circumstances showing probable cause that the child committed a delinquent act.

(5) A statement indicating whether the child was released, or escorted to a juvenile detention center, or placed in a shelter care facility.

F. If the child is released pursuant to Paragraph B or D of this Article, the report shall be submitted by the officer within seven days from the child's release. If the child is not so released, the report shall be submitted within twenty-four hours of the child being taken into custody.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 705, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 1158, §1; Acts 2008, No. 293, §1; Acts 2019, No. 147, §1.