Louisiana Children’s Code 841 – Effect of agreement
Terms Used In Louisiana Children's Code 841
- child: means any person under the age of twenty-one, including an emancipated minor, who commits a delinquent act before attaining seventeen years of age. See Louisiana Children's Code 804
- Clerk of court: An officer appointed by the court to work with the chief judge in overseeing the court's administration, especially to assist in managing the flow of cases through the court and to maintain court records.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
A. An informal adjustment agreement shall not be considered an adjudication. Evidence of the existence of an agreement shall not be used against the child over objection in any adjudication hearing or criminal trial. That evidence may be used in a disposition hearing in the juvenile court or for the purpose of a presentence investigation after a criminal conviction.
B. An informal adjustment agreement suspends the proceedings on the delinquent acts charged in the complaint or petition. If any of the terms of the agreement are violated, the case may proceed to an adjudication hearing on the charges. If the child satisfies the terms of the agreement, he shall be discharged from further supervision, and the pending complaint or petition shall be dismissed with prejudice.
C. Any incriminating statement made by the child to the person giving counsel or advice and in the discussions or conferences incident to the informal adjustment agreement shall not be used against the child, over objection, in an adjudication hearing or criminal trial. The incriminating statement may be used in a disposition hearing in the court or for the purpose of a presentence investigation after a criminal conviction.
D. If any medical, mental health, sensory, or special competency evaluation is performed during the period of an informal adjustment agreement, the report shall not include any incriminating statement made by the child. The examination shall not occur until five days after the clerk of court has given notice to all parties of the examination order. Any incriminating statement made by the child to the evaluator, which would violate the child’s privilege against self-incrimination, shall not be used against him in any future court proceedings, adjudication hearing, or later criminal trial.
Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1; Acts 2010, No. 594, §1.