Indiana § 31-30-1-11 - Transfer from court having criminal jurisdiction; release on recognizance; detention

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-30-1-11 — Transfer from court having criminal jurisdiction; release on recognizance; detention, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-30-1-11. Transfer from court having criminal jurisdiction; release on recognizance; detention

Sec. 11. (a) Except as provided in section 9 of this chapter, if a court having criminal jurisdiction determines that a defendant is alleged to have committed a crime before the defendant is eighteen (18) years of age, the court shall immediately transfer the case, together with certified copies of all papers, documents, and testimony, to the juvenile court. The juvenile court shall proceed as if it had received a referral under IC 31-37-8.

(b) The court having criminal jurisdiction shall release the child on the child's own recognizance or to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian upon that person's written promise to bring the child before the juvenile court at a specified time. However, the court may order the child detained if the court finds probable cause to believe that the child committed an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult and that:

(1) the child is unlikely to appear before the juvenile court for subsequent proceedings;

(2) detention is essential to protect the child or the community;

(3) the parent, guardian, or custodian:

(A) cannot be located; or

(B) is unable or unwilling to take custody of the child; or

(4) the child has a reasonable basis for requesting that he or she not be released.

If the child is detained for a reason specified by subdivision (3) or (4), the child must be detained in accordance with IC 31-37-7-1.

(c) If the child is not released, the child shall be delivered to a place designated by the juvenile court. The court having criminal jurisdiction shall promptly notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian and an intake officer of where the child is being held and the reasons for the child's detention.

(d) A child transferred to the juvenile court under this section (or IC 31-6-2-2 before its repeal) may not be released on bail.

[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-2-2.]

As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.13.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-30-1-11

What does Indiana Code § 31-30-1-11 cover?

Section 31-30-1-11 ("Transfer from court having criminal jurisdiction; release on recognizance; detention") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. 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 Indiana § 31-30-1-11?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-30-1-11" (Indiana). 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 Indiana law?

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

How does Indiana § 31-30-1-11 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana 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 Indiana.