Maximum time for appearance before judge for the purpose of appointment of counsel; court discretion to fix bail at the appearance; extension of time limit for cause; effect of failure of appearance
La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 230.1
in effect230.1. Maximum time for appearance before judge for the purpose of appointment of counsel; court discretion to fix bail at the appearance; extension of time limit for cause; effect of failure of appearance
A. The sheriff or law enforcement officer having custody of an arrested person shall bring him promptly, and in any case within seventy-two hours from the time of the arrest, before a judge for the purpose of appointment of counsel. Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays shall be excluded in computing the seventy-two-hour period referred to herein. The defendant shall appear in person unless the court by local rule provides for such appearance by telephone or audio-video electronic equipment. However, upon a showing that the defendant is incapacitated, unconscious, or otherwise physically or mentally unable to appear in court within seventy-two hours, then the defendant's presence is waived by law, and a judge shall appoint counsel to represent the defendant within seventy-two hours from the time of arrest.
B. At this appearance, if a defendant has the right to have the court appoint counsel to defend him, the court shall assign counsel to the defendant. The court may also, in its discretion, determine or review a prior determination of the amount of bail.
C. If the arrested person is not brought before a judge in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph A of this Article, he shall be released on his own recognizance.
D. The failure of the sheriff or law enforcement officer to comply with the requirements herein shall have no effect whatsoever upon the validity of the proceedings thereafter against the defendant.
Added by Acts 1972, No. 700, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 395, §1; Acts 1984, No. 206, §1; Acts 1985, No. 955, §1; Acts 2006, No. 811, §1; Acts 2018, No. 129, §1.
Source: Louisiana State Legislature (legis.la.gov)URL: https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=112388Fetched: 10/20/2026