Terms Used In Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure 211.2

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.

A.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in Orleans Parish, when a peace officer serving a subpoena, summons, or notice to appear in court for a misdemeanor traffic offense or a nonviolent offense, except for possession of illegal weapons and driving under the influence, has reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct of an offender constitutes a direct contempt of court because the offender contumaciously fails to comply with such subpoena, summons, or notice to appear in court, and proof of service of the subpoena, summons, or notice appears of record, then either the court may order the offender attached and brought to court or the peace officer may issue a written citation or summons to the offender commanding him to appear and answer the direct contempt charge.

B.  If an order of attachment is issued, it may be executed in any parish by the sheriff of the parish from which the attachment was issued, or by the sheriff of the parish where the offender is found.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 520, §1; Acts 2011, No. 403, §1.