2010 Tennessee Code
Title 37 - Juveniles
Chapter 1 - Juvenile Courts and Proceedings
Part 1 - General Provisions
37-1-117 - Investigation and release or commitment Petition Hearings.

37-1-117. Investigation and release or commitment Petition Hearings.

(a)  If a child is brought before the court or delivered to a detention facility designated by the court, the intake or other authorized officer of the court shall immediately make an investigation and release the child unless it appears that such child's detention is warranted or required under § 37-1-114.

(b)  (1)  If such child is not so released, a petition under § 37-1-120 shall be made promptly and presented to the court. In the case of a child alleged to be delinquent, a detention hearing shall be held no later than three (3) days after the child is placed in detention to determine whether such child's detention is required under § 37-1-114. In computing the three (3) days' limitation for purposes of such detention hearing, nonjudicial days are excluded. If a juvenile is detained as provided in § 37-1-114, a detention hearing shall be held no later than eighty-four (84) hours after the child is placed in detention pursuant to § 37-1-114.

     (2)  In the alternative, if the child is not so released, a warrant committing the child may be sworn out before the court or referee by the person producing the child for commitment. Immediately upon receiving a child committed under a warrant, however, the petition shall be made promptly and presented to the court as provided in subdivision (b)(1).

(c)  If a child alleged to be dependent and neglected is removed from the custody of such child's parent, guardian or legal custodian prior to a hearing on the petition, a preliminary hearing shall be held no later than three (3) days after the child's removal, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, to determine whether such child's removal is required under § 37-1-114. If the court determines that the child's removal is required under § 37-1-114, the court may order that the child be placed in the custody of a suitable person, persons or agency, as specified in § 37-1-116(d). The provisions of this subsection (c) may be waived by express and knowing waiver, by the parties to an action including the parents, guardian or legal custodian and the child or guardian ad litem for the child if the child is of tender years. Any such waiver may be revoked at any time, at which time the provisions of this section shall apply. The court shall make every effort to advise the parent, guardian or legal custodian, and the child individually, if fourteen (14) years of age or older or alleged to be delinquent or unruly, of the time, date and place of the hearing and the factual circumstances necessitating the removal.

(d)  If the child is not so released, and a parent, guardian or custodian has not been notified of the informal hearing, did not appear or waive appearance at this hearing, and files an affidavit showing these facts, the court shall rehear the matter without unnecessary delay and order such child's release unless it appears from the hearing that the child's detention or shelter care is required under § 37-1-114.

(e)  The court, in its discretion, may release the child on an appearance bond.

[Acts 1970, ch. 600, § 17; 1973, ch. 269, § 3; 1979, ch. 289, § 4; 1980, ch. 595, § 2; 1981, ch. 247, §§ 5, 6; 1981, ch. 458, § 2; 1982, ch. 882, § 3; 1983, ch. 254, § 3; T.C.A., § 37-217.]