2025 Session
Last amended: 1986 session
§ 588.15 — Illness May Excuse Officer From Producing Person
Plain-Language Summary
If someone arrested for contempt is too sick or otherwise unable to come to court, the officer holding them does not have to bring them in. The illness or other inability serves as a valid excuse.
588.15 ILLNESS MAY EXCUSE OFFICER FROM PRODUCING PERSON.
When, under sections 588.01 to 588.15, an officer is required to keep a person arrested in actual custody and to bring the person before a court or officer, the inability, from illness or other cause, of the person to attend, shall be a sufficient excuse for not producing the person in court.
History:
History: History: (9807) RL s 4653; 1986 c 444
Practical Notes
This protects both the arrested person and the officer from being penalized when a court appearance is physically impossible. The officer should document the reason for the person’s absence, such as a medical condition, to present to the court.