Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 209

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.

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.