Georgia § 15-11-502 - Procedure after taking child into custody; detention.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-502 — Procedure after taking child into custody; detention., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-502. Procedure after taking child into custody; detention.
A person taking an alleged delinquent child into custody, with all reasonable speed and without first taking such child elsewhere, shall: Immediately release such child, without bond, to his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian upon such person's promise to bring such child before the court when requested by the court; Immediately deliver such child to a medical facility if such child is believed to suffer from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt treatment and, upon delivery, shall promptly contact a juvenile court intake officer. Immediately upon being notified by the person taking such child into custody, the juvenile court intake officer shall determine if such child can be administered a detention assessment and if so, shall conduct such assessment and determine if such child should be released, remain in protective custody, or be brought before the court; or Bring such child immediately before the juvenile court or promptly contact a juvenile court intake officer. The court or juvenile court intake officer shall determine if such child should be released or detained. All determinations and court orders regarding detention shall comply with the requirements of this article and shall be based on an individual detention assessment of such child and his or her circumstances. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Code section, a law enforcement officer may detain an alleged delinquent child for a reasonable period of time sufficient to conduct interrogations and perform routine law enforcement procedures including but not limited to fingerprinting, photographing, and the preparation of any necessary records. Prior to a detention hearing, an alleged delinquent child shall be placed in detention, if necessary, only in such places as are authorized by Code Section 15-11-504 . (Code 1981, § 15-11-502 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-502
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-502 cover?
Section 15-11-502 ("Procedure after taking child into custody; detention.") 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 § 15-11-502?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-502" (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 § 15-11-502 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.