Montana Code Annotated 1995

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     41-5-303. Rights of youth taken into custody -- questioning -- hearing for probable cause -- detention. (1) When a youth is taken into custody for questioning upon a matter that could result in a petition alleging that the youth is either a delinquent youth or a youth in need of supervision, the following requirements must be met:
     (a) The youth must be advised of his right against self-incrimination and his right to counsel.
     (b) The youth may waive these rights under the following situations:
     (i) when the youth is 16 years of age or older, the youth may make an effective waiver;
     (ii) when the youth is under the age of 16 years and the youth and a parent or guardian agree, they may make an effective waiver; and
     (iii) when the youth is under the age of 16 years and the youth and his parent or guardian do not agree, the youth may make an effective waiver only with advice of counsel.
     (c) The investigating officer, probation officer, or person assigned to give notice shall immediately notify the parents, guardian, or legal custodian of the youth that the youth has been taken into custody, the reasons for taking the youth into custody, and where the youth is being held. If the parents, guardian, or legal custodian cannot be found through diligent efforts, a close relative or friend chosen by the youth must be notified.
     (2) Unless a youth has been released, a hearing must be held within 24 hours after the youth is taken into custody, excluding weekends and legal holidays, to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that the youth is a delinquent youth or a youth in need of supervision.
     (3) The probable cause hearing required under subsection (2) may be held by the youth court, a justice of the peace, a municipal or city judge, or a magistrate having jurisdiction in the case as provided in 41-5-203. If the probable cause hearing is held by a justice of the peace, a municipal or city judge, or a magistrate, a record of the hearing must be made by a court reporter or by a tape recording of the hearing.
     (4) At the probable cause hearing, the youth must be informed of his constitutional rights and his rights under this chapter.
     (5) A parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the youth may be held in contempt of court for failing to be present at or to participate in the probable cause hearing unless he:
     (a) cannot be located through diligent efforts of the investigating peace officer or peace officers; or
     (b) is excused by the court for good cause.
     (6) At the probable cause hearing, a guardian ad litem may be appointed as provided in 41-5-512.
     (7) If it is determined that there is probable cause to believe the youth is a delinquent youth or is a youth in need of supervision, the court having jurisdiction in the case shall determine whether the youth should be retained in custody. If the court determines that continued custody of the youth is necessary and if the youth meets the criteria in 41-5-305, the youth may be placed in a detention facility or shelter care facility as provided in 41-5-306 but may not be placed in a jail or other facility used for the confinement of adults accused or convicted of criminal offenses.
     (8) If probable cause is not found or if a probable cause hearing is not held within the time specified in subsection (2), the youth must be immediately released from custody.

     History: En. 10-1218 by Sec. 18, Ch. 329, L. 1974; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 100, L. 1977; amd. Sec. 9, Ch. 571, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 10-1218(1)(a), (1)(b); amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 385, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 475, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 515, L. 1987; (2) thru (6) En. Sec. 1, Ch. 475, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 271, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 547, L. 1991.

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