CHAPTER 8. INFORMAL ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE

Art. 839. Availability of an informal adjustment agreement

            A. Prior to the filing of a petition, the district attorney or the court with the consent of the district attorney may authorize an informal adjustment agreement.

            B. After the filing of a petition but before the attachment of jeopardy pursuant to Article 811, the court may authorize the district attorney or probation officer to effect an informal adjustment agreement if the child and district attorney have no objection. The court may, with concurrence of the district attorney, dismiss the petition or allow the petition to remain pending during the period of informal adjustment.

            C. When entering an informal adjustment agreement, the court may, with concurrence of the district attorney, utilize or initiate a teen or youth court program and may assess a fee to a participant in the program to offset costs.

            D.(1) Where a petition involves an allegation of an unlawful act committed as a direct result of the child being a victim of human trafficking pursuant to R.S. 14:46.3(E)(1) and the child expresses a willingness to cooperate and receive specialized services for sexually exploited children, the district attorney may effect an informal adjustment agreement which includes specialized services for the child.

            (2) If, however, the child has previously been adjudicated a delinquent or is unwilling to cooperate with specialized services for sexually exploited children, continuing with the delinquency proceeding shall be within the discretion of the district attorney.

            (3) The specialized services referenced in Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph may include but are not limited to the services provided pursuant to R.S. 46:2161, safe and stable housing, victim advocacy services, comprehensive onsite case management, integrated mental health and chemical dependency services, including specialized trauma recovery services, education and employment training, and referrals to offsite specialized services, as appropriate.

            Acts 1991, No. 235, §8, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 897, §1; Acts 2003, No. 940, §1; Acts 2009, No. 213, §1; Acts 2013, No. 429, §3, eff. June 24, 2013; Acts 2026, No. 637, §2.