Georgia § 15-11-501 - Taking child into custody; notice to custodian; notification of prosecuting attorney.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-501 — Taking child into custody; notice to custodian; notification of prosecuting attorney., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15-11-501. Taking child into custody; notice to custodian; notification of prosecuting attorney.

An alleged delinquent child may be taken into custody: Pursuant to an order of the court under this article, including an order to a DJJ employee to apprehend: When he or she has escaped from an institution or facility operated by DJJ; or When he or she has been placed under supervision and has violated its conditions; Pursuant to the laws of arrest; or By a law enforcement officer or duly authorized officer of the court if there are reasonable grounds to believe that a child has committed a delinquent act. A law enforcement officer taking a child into custody shall promptly give notice together with a statement of the reasons for taking such child into custody to his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian and to the court. When a child who is taken into custody has committed an act which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, the juvenile court, within 48 hours after it learns of such child having been taken into custody, shall notify the prosecuting attorney of the judicial circuit in which the juvenile proceedings are to be instituted. (Code 1981, § 15-11-501 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.) Authority of peace officer to assume temporary custody of child absent from school without lawful authority or excuse, § 20-2-698 et seq. Cross references. - Exercise of power of arrest generally, § 17-4-1 et seq. Law reviews. - For article, "The Prosecuting Attorney in Georgia's Juvenile Courts," see 13 Ga. St. B. J. 27 (2008). For note criticizing jurisdiction of juvenile justice system over runaways and advocating alternative legal approaches, see 24 Emory L. J. 1075 (1975). For comment, "School Bullies - They Aren't Just Students: Examining School Interrogations and the Miranda Warning," see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 731 (2008).

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-501

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-501 cover?

Section 15-11-501 ("Taking child into custody; notice to custodian; notification of prosecuting attorney.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Georgia § 15-11-501?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-501" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Georgia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.

How does Georgia § 15-11-501 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.