Art. 739.  Continued custody hearing; time limitations

A.  If the child is not released to the care of his parents, a hearing shall be held by the court within three days after the child's entry into custody.  The hearing may be continued for up to three additional days upon motion and with good cause shown.  If the hearing is not timely held, the child shall be released unless the hearing is continued at the request of the child.

B.  If pursuant to Article 737(A) the child is being held in a secure detention facility, a hearing shall be held within twenty-four hours, excluding weekends and holidays, after the child's entry into custody.  If the hearing is not timely held, the child shall be released unless the hearing is continued at the request of the child.

C.  At this hearing, the state has the burden of proving the existence of a ground for continued custody pursuant to Article 741.

D.  Hearsay evidence shall be admissible at this hearing.

E.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code to the contrary, and due to the expedited nature of these hearings, in a judicial district comprised of more than one parish, a continued custody hearing may be conducted in any parish in the judicial district.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §7; Acts 1993, No. 634, §1, eff. June 15, 1993; Acts 1999, No. 1313, §1; Acts 2008, No. 634, §1.