Section 841 – Effect of agreement

May 13, 2021 | Family Law, Louisiana

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.

La. Ch.C. § 841

Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1; Acts 2010, No. 594, §1.