New Hampshire § 169-D-10 - Section 169-D:10 Release Prior to Initial Appearance.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 169-D-10 — Section 169-D:10 Release Prior to Initial Appearance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 169-D-10. Section 169-D:10 Release Prior to Initial Appearance.
I. An officer taking a child into custody pursuant to RSA 169-D:8 shall release the child to a parent, guardian or custodian pending initial appearance; however, if a parent, guardian or custodian is not available upon taking the child into custody, the court shall be notified, thereupon the child's release shall be determined by the court. II. Pending the initial appearance, the court shall release the child to one of the following, which in the court's opinion is the least restrictive and most appropriate: (a) A parent or guardian; (b) A relative or suitable adult; (c) Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is a runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d), the custody of department of health and human services for placement with fictive kin or in a foster home, as defined in RSA 169-C:3, XIII, a group home, a crisis home, a shelter care facility, or a child care institution, psychiatric residential treatment program, or a program otherwise certified by the commissioner of the department of health and human services or his or her designee, with expenses chargeable as provided in RSA 169-D:29; or (d) [Repealed.] (e) An alcohol crisis center certified to accept juveniles. III. Where there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is a runaway under RSA 169-D:2, II(b) or that the child is a child in need of services under RSA 169-D:2, II(d) and there is no shelter care/detention bed available, nor an appropriate parent, guardian, or custodian as defined in paragraph II of this section available, the court or the officer taking the child into temporary custody shall notify the department. If the child cannot be referred to an alternative to secure detention, the court shall make an order authorizing the department to place the child. The department shall then promptly arrange for placement of the child.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 169-D-10
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 169-D-10 cover?
Section 169-D-10 ("Section 169-D:10 Release Prior to Initial Appearance.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire § 169-D-10?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 169-D-10" (New Hampshire). 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 New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 169-D-10 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.