La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 209

This is the official text of La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 209, part of Louisiana’s Code of Criminal Procedure — sets the procedural rules for criminal cases in Louisiana.

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When summons may be issued by magistrate

Official statutory text

When a complaint is made of the commission of a misdemeanor and the requirements of Article 202 are met, the magistrate may issue a summons instead of a warrant of arrest, if he has reasonable ground to believe that the person against whom the complaint is made will appear upon a summons. In a case where a summons has been issued, a warrant of arrest may be issued later in its place.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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