Montana Title 41. Minors § 41-5-332. Custody--hearing for probable cause

(1) When a youth is taken into custody, a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the youth is a delinquent youth or a youth in need of intervention must be held within 24 hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays. A hearing is not required if the youth is released prior to the time of the required hearing.

(2) When a youth is taken into custody for a violation of placement under a home arrest program, a hearing to determine whether a violation occurred must be held within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

(3) The probable cause hearing required under subsection (1) may be held in person or by videoconference by the youth court, a justice of the peace, a municipal or city judge, or a magistrate having jurisdiction in the case as provided in 41-5-203. If the probable cause hearing is held by a justice of the peace, a municipal or city judge, or a magistrate, a record of the hearing must be made by a court reporter or by a tape recording of the hearing or by an audio-video tape if the hearing is held by videoconference.

(4) A probable cause hearing may be conducted by telephone if other means of conducting the hearing are impractical. All written orders and findings of the court in a hearing conducted by telephone must bear the name of the judge or magistrate presiding in the case and the hour and date the order or findings were issued.

(5) A hearing is required for a youth placed in detention for an alleged violation of the terms and conditions of the youth's conditional release agreement.