Texas § FA.58.0021 - FINGERPRINTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR COMPARISON IN INVESTIGATION
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § FA.58.0021 — FINGERPRINTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR COMPARISON IN INVESTIGATION, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ FA.58.0021. FINGERPRINTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR COMPARISON IN INVESTIGATION
FINGERPRINTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR COMPARISON IN INVESTIGATION. (a) A law enforcement officer may take temporary custody of a child to take the child's fingerprints if: (1) the officer has probable cause to believe that the child has engaged in delinquent conduct; (2) the officer has investigated that conduct and has found other fingerprints during the investigation; and (3) the officer has probable cause to believe that the child's fingerprints will match the other fingerprints. (b) A law enforcement officer may take temporary custody of a child to take the child's photograph, or may obtain a photograph of a child from a juvenile probation department in possession of a photograph of the child, if: (1) the officer has probable cause to believe that the child has engaged in delinquent conduct; and (2) the officer has probable cause to believe that the child's photograph will be of material assistance in the investigation of that conduct. (c) Temporary custody for the purpose described by Subsection (a) or (b): (1) is not a taking into custody under Section 52.01 ; and (2) may not be reported to the juvenile justice information system under Subchapter B. (d) If a law enforcement officer does not take the child into custody under Section 52.01 , the child shall be released from temporary custody authorized under this section as soon as the fingerprints or photographs are obtained. (e) A law enforcement officer who under this section obtains fingerprints or photographs from a child shall: (1) immediately destroy them if they do not lead to a positive comparison or identification; and (2) make a reasonable effort to notify the child's parent, guardian, or custodian of the action taken. (f) A law enforcement officer may under this section obtain fingerprints or photographs from a child at: (1) a juvenile processing office; or (2) a location that affords reasonable privacy to the child. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1297, Sec. 35, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 746 (S.B. 1304 ), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2017.
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § FA.58.0021
What does The Texas Constitution § FA.58.0021 cover?
Section FA.58.0021 ("FINGERPRINTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS FOR COMPARISON IN INVESTIGATION") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. 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 Texas § FA.58.0021?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § FA.58.0021" (Texas). 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 Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § FA.58.0021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas 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 Texas.