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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 15§ 629 Minor Release Promise To Appear

§ 629 Minor Release Promise To Appear

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 629 Minor Release Promise To Appear

Key Takeaways

  • •If a kid under 18 is let go by the police, they must promise in writing to show up later to talk to a probation officer.
  • •Kids 14 or older who are arrested for a serious crime must sign a promise to show up later or get a court date before they can be released.
  • •The police can also make the kid's parent or guardian sign the promise to show up.

Example

A 15-year-old is caught trying to steal a car.

The police can't just let the kid go right away. The kid has to sign a paper saying they'll come back later to talk to a probation officer or go to court. The police might also make the kid's mom or dad sign the paper too.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 629 Minor Release Promise To Appear

(a) As a condition for the release of a minor pursuant to Section 628.1 and subject to Sections 631 and 632, the probation officer shall require the minor to sign, and may also require his or her parent, guardian, or relative to sign, a written promise to appear before the probation officer at the juvenile hall or other suitable place designated by the probation officer at a specified time. (b) A minor who is 14 years of age or older who is taken into custody by a peace officer for the commission or attempted commission of a felony offense shall not be released until the minor has signed a written promise to appear before the probation officer at the juvenile hall or other suitable place designated by the peace officer, or has been given an order to appear at the juvenile court on a date certain. The peace officer may also require the minor’s parent, guardian, or relative to sign a written promise to appear at the same place designated for the minor. (Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 663, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001. Note: This section was amended on March 7, 2000, by initiative Prop. 21.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

probationfelonycustodyreleasearrestcommissionoffensecondition

Related Statutes

  • § 625.3 Minor Firearm Custody Hold
  • § 626 Minor Custody Release Options
  • § 626.5 Minor Custody Notice Procedures
  • § 631.1 Minor Age Misrepresentation Consequences
  • § 314 Minor Age Misrepresentation Deadline

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 629.
View Official Source