Limitations on the minor offender's liberty before the imposition of a penalty

Verified 31 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Can a minor's freedom be restricted before he or she is punished? Yes, several measures limit the minor's freedom: judicial supervision, house arrest and pre-trial detention. Such measures shall be ordered at a hearing at which the legal representatives of the minor are summoned. The conditions under which they are set up and carried out depend on the age of the minor. We present you the information to know.

13 to 16 years

Under certain conditions, a judge may decide to limit a minor's liberty by ordering him to comply with the obligations and prohibitions of a minor. judicial review.

On what grounds could the minor be placed under judicial supervision?

A minor may be placed under judicial supervision in 4 cases:

  • If he faces a criminal sentence
  • If he faces a prison sentence of 7 years or more, as he is suspected of having committed an offense offense
  • If he is suspected of having committed an offense for which he faces a prison sentence of 5 years or more and has already been the subject of a educational measure, of a judicial measure of educational investigation, of a safety measure or has already been convicted or convicted in another proceeding that has resulted in a report dated less than one year
  • If he faces a prison sentence of 5 years or more on suspicion of having committed a terrorist offense, a sexual assault, intentional violence or a violent offense (e.g. robbery with violence).

Judicial review is not a penalty. It is an interim measure that allows the freedom of the juvenile being prosecuted to be restricted. The purpose of this measure is to prevent the minor from committing a new infringement.

It may also be ordered to enable the investigation to proceed smoothly and the statement, avoid pressure on other people, protect the juvenile offender and guarantee his presence before the judge.

How is the placement under judicial supervision decided?

The minor may be placed under judicial supervision by 4 different judges depending on the situation:

Placement under judicial supervision may be decided only after a adversarial debate. During this debate, the judge hears the public prosecutor, the minor, his lawyer, his legal representatives and the service that follows the minor.

If he decides to place the minor under judicial supervision, the judge shall inform him orally obligations and prohibitions to be imposed on it. It also informs the Commission of the consequences of non-compliance with these measures.

The minor (represented by his lawyer) or one of his legal representatives may appeal the decision to place the person under judicial supervision.

The call must be made within 10 days following the notification of the decision.

In general, this challenge must be forwarded to the special chamber for minors the judge who made the decision depends on it. If the judicial review is pronounced at a statement, it shall be communicated to the investigation chamber.

Who shall I contact

What measures were taken against minors under judicial supervision?

The judge may impose several obligations and prohibitions on the juvenile offender. Among them:

  • Prohibition to leave a territory determined by the judge (example: prohibition to leave a city)
  • Prohibition to leave one's home except under the conditions and for a reason determined by the judge
  • Prohibition of travel to certain places determined by the judge
  • Obligation to inform the judge in charge of the case of any movement outside the geographical limits he has set
  • Obligation to report to an educational service or an authority designated by the judge (example: police, association)
  • Obligation to attend regular education, training or professional activity
  • Prohibition of contact with certain persons designated by the judge (example: accomplices, victims)
  • Prohibition to use the online platform which was used to commit the offense
  • Obligation to comply with the placement order issued by the judge (e.g. placement with a family member, in a youth judicial protection institution or in a educational center closed).
    In general, the maximum duration of the placement is 6 months, renewable once for the same duration. For minors prosecuted for a infringement of terrorism or committed in organized gang incurring a penalty of 10 years or more of imprisonment, the placement can take place for 2 years.

If the minor does not comply with the obligations and prohibitions imposed on him, the judge may decide to modify or cancel his judicial review.

If he ends it, the judge of liberty and detention may pronounce a pretrial detention under certain conditions.

FYI  

Such obligations and prohibitions may also be modified at the request of the minor (represented by his lawyer), his legal representatives or the person who has custody of it.

How long does the juvenile's judicial review last?

The typical length of judicial review varies depending on the situation in which it was ordered. In certain circumstances, it may end before the date originally scheduled.

Traditional duration of the juvenile's judicial review

Judicial review may last:

  • Until the end of the statement whether it was decided in the context of an investigation
  • Up to the guilty review hearing, if it was pronounced as a result of deferral of the minor
  • Until the penalty is imposed, if it was imposed at the guilty review hearing or during the educational probation period.
End of judicial review of the minor before the scheduled date

The children's judge or the investigating judge (as part of a statement) may terminate the judicial review before the date originally scheduled.

The competent judge may decide to stop the judicial review at the request of the minor (assisted by his lawyer), of its legal representatives or the person who has custody of it (e.g. a family member).

The request must be made by query forwarded to the registry of the juvenile judge or investigating judge (if an investigation is opened).

Who shall I contact

Please note

The judge may also terminate the judicial review of himself or herself or upon request of the public prosecutor.

Since June 25, 2025, a judge can limit the freedom of a minor aged 13 to 16 by requiring him to remain at home (or at that of his parents). legal representatives), under electronic bracelet. This house arrest is subject to certain conditions. It is valid for a limited time. It is then a house arrest under electronic surveillance.

On what grounds could the minor be placed under house arrest with electronic surveillance?

A minor between 13 and 16 years of age may be obliged to stay in a specific place wearing an electronic bracelet in 2 hypotheses:

  • He is suspected of having committed a terrorist act for which he risks sentence of 5 years or more of imprisonment
  • Or he is suspected of having committed a infringement in organized gang for which he incurs a imprisonment of 10 years or more.

How is the house arrest with electronic surveillance of a minor decided?

The juvenile offender may be under house arrest by 4 different judges depending on the situation:

The minor's house arrest may only be effected after a adversarial debate.

During this debate, the judge hears the public prosecutor if present, the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives (or the service to which the minor is entrusted).

Its decision is also based on the opinion of the Judicial Protection of Youth.

Please note

In certain circumstances, the presence of the public prosecutor is not mandatory.

If the judge decides to place the minor under electronic surveillance, he or she shall specify the place of assignment, the days and times on which he or she is to remain in the place and the reasons why he or she is entitled to leave.

In addition, he informs him orally obligations and prohibitions to be imposed on it. Finally, it indicates to him that the electronic bracelet can be settled only with his agreement. However, if it refuses such installation, it may give rise to the annulment of theARSE: titleContent and his remand in custody.

FYI  

For the minor's house arrest to be fixed at the domicile of his legal representatives, they must have given their consent.

The minor (represented by his lawyer) or his legal representatives may appeal against the decision of the judge.

The appeal must be made within 10 days of notification of the decision.

The challenge must be forwarded to the special juvenile chamber to which the judge who issued the decision depends. If the ARSE has been decided during the investigation, the appeal shall be made to the investigating chamber.

Who shall I contact

What obligations does the minor under house arrest have?

The judge may impose several obligations and prohibitions on the juvenile offender. Among them:

  • Prohibition of absences from home except under the conditions and for the reasons determined by the judge
  • Obligation to inform the judge of any movement outside the geographical limits he has set
  • Obligation to report to an educational service or an authority designated by the judge (e.g. police, association)
  • Prohibition of contact with certain persons designated by the judge (example: accomplices, victims)
  • Prohibition to use the online platform which was used to commit the offense
  • Obligation to undergo treatment, especially in the case of alcohol or drug offenses
  • Prohibition of possession of a weapon.

FYI  

The judge may order several measures. He may amend them or terminate them himself, at the request of the minor, his legal representatives, the service following him or the public prosecutor.

If the minor does not comply with the obligations and prohibitions imposed on him, the judge may decide to modify or terminate the house arrest.

Exceptionally, the minor may be temporarily deprived of liberty (imprisoned) before being convicted. This is a pretrial detention. This measure must take place when the judicial review and house arrest with electronic surveillance are not sufficient.

On what grounds could the minor be remanded in custody?

Pre-trial detention may be ordered in respect of a minor suspected of having committed a crime crime.

When the minor is prosecuted for a offense, this measure may be ordered if the following two conditions are met:

  • He did not comply with the terms of the educational center closed set in the context of judicial review
  • Reminding or increasing the obligations of judicial review is not enough.

Warning  

The breach of placement must be serious, repeated or accompanied by a breach of other obligations and prohibitions of judicial review.

This measure is decided if it is the only way to avoid the commission of a new infringement, to enable the investigation to proceed smoothly or to the statement, to prevent pressure on other persons (victims, witnesses, etc.), to protect the juvenile offender or to guarantee his presence before the judge.

How is the juvenile remanded in custody?

The minor may be remanded in custody during a statement. In addition, remand in custody may be decided if judicial review orARSE: titleContent has been revoked.

Before ordering this measure, the judge shall hear the public prosecutor, the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives during a adversarial debate. It is also based on the opinion of the Judicial Protection of Young People.

His decision must be reasoned.

When the judge orders pretrial detention, the minor is imprisoned in a special juvenile institution.

The juvenile may challenge the decision to place him in pre-trial detention before the Special Juvenile Chamber within 10 days.

Who shall I contact

How long can the juvenile's pre-trial detention last?

The standard length of pre-trial detention varies depending on the situation in which it was ordered. In some circumstances, it may end before the date originally scheduled.

Traditional duration of the juvenile's pre-trial detention

If the minor is remanded in custody before the hearing on the imposition of a penalty, its duration shall be limited to 1 month.

As part of a statementHowever, the length of pre-trial detention varies depending on the type of infringement that the minor is suspected of having committed (a crime or a offense).

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Crime

During the investigation, the duration of the juvenile's pre-trial detention is 6 months renewable once for the same period (12 months in total).

After referral of the case to the competent court (e.g. juvenile court), pre-trial detention may be maintained for up to 6 months.

Misdemeanor

During the investigation, the duration of pre-trial detention is:

  • 15 days renewable once for the same period (1 month in total), when the penalty he faces is less than 10 years of imprisonment
  • 1 month renewable once for the same period (i.e. 2 months in total), when the penalty incurred is more than 10 years of imprisonment.

After referral of the case to the competent court (e.g. juvenile judge), pre-trial detention may be maintained for up to 3 months.

Application for release made by the minor

At any time before the guilty hearing (or before the single audience), the minor (or his lawyer) may apply for release.

The request written must be sent to the Registry of the Judge of Liberty and Detention (JLD) of the place where the case is to be tried.

Who shall I contact

The JLD has 5 days to make its decision. After this period, the minor may submit an application to the special chamber for minors.

Who shall I contact

The judicial review orARSE: titleContent can be combined with a provisional judicial educational measure (MEJP). As part of a pre-trial detention, the implementation of this measure is mandatory.

The MEJP may be pronounced at any stage of the procedure.

FYI  

The MEJP can be decided even though the suspect has become an adult on the day of the hearing. However, it must end when he reaches the age of 21.

Before ordering such a measure, the judge shall hear the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives (unless they do not appear at the hearing when they have been summoned).

At the end of the hearing, the judge explains the content of the MEJP to the minor and his legal representatives.

In fact, the minor may be obliged to follow one or more modules (e.g. repair module) and to comply with the obligations and prohibitions set by the judge (e.g. the prohibition to appear in the place where the offense has been committed, for a maximum period of 1 year).

The children's judge (or the investigating judge if an investigation is opened) monitors the MEJP. At any time, it may modify the content or terminate it.

The MEJP is not limited in time. However, in general, it is exercised until the judgment of the minor or on guilt if it was ordered at the time of the deferral, or on the penalty if it was ordered during the period of educational testing.

Warning  

As part of a statement, the MEJP is pronounced for a renewable period of 1 year.

16 to 18 years

Under certain conditions, a judge may decide to limit a minor's liberty by ordering him to comply with the obligations and prohibitions of a minor. judicial review.

On what grounds could the minor be placed under judicial supervision?

A minor may be placed under judicial supervision if he or she faces a penalty of imprisonment or a sentence of criminal imprisonment.

Judicial review is not a penalty. It is an interim measure that allows the freedom of the juvenile being prosecuted to be restricted. The purpose of this measure is to prevent the minor from committing a new infringement.

It may also be ordered to enable the investigation to proceed smoothly and the statement, avoid pressure on other people, protect the juvenile offender and guarantee his presence before the judge.

The purpose of judicial review is to prevent the minor from committing a new infringement. It may also be ordered to enable the investigation to proceed smoothly and the statement, avoid pressure on other people, protect the juvenile offender and guarantee his presence before the judge.

How was the placement of the minor under judicial supervision decided?

The minor may be placed under judicial supervision by 4 different judges depending on the situation:

Placement under judicial supervision may take place after a adversarial debate during which the judge hears the minor and his lawyer.

It also requests the written observations of the public prosecutor (not necessarily present at the hearing).

FYI  

The legal representatives of the minor must be summoned to the hearing. If they wish, they can make comments.

If he decides to place the minor under judicial supervision, the judge shall inform him orally obligations and prohibitions to be imposed on it. It also informs the Commission of the consequences of non-compliance with these measures.

The minor (represented by his lawyer) or one of his legal representatives may appeal the decision to place the person under judicial supervision.

The call must be made within 10 days following the notification of the decision.

In general, this challenge must be forwarded to the special chamber for minors the judge who made the decision depends on it. If the judicial review is pronounced at a statement, it shall be communicated to the investigation chamber.

Who shall I contact

What are the obligations of the minor in the context of judicial review?

The judge may impose several obligations and prohibitions on the juvenile offender. Among them:

  • Prohibition to leave a territory determined by the judge (example: prohibition to leave a city)
  • Prohibition to leave one's home except under the conditions and for a reason determined by the judge
  • Prohibition of travel to certain places determined by the judge
  • Obligation to inform the judge in charge of the case of any movement outside the geographical limits he has set
  • Obligation to report to an educational service or an authority designated by the judge (example: police, association)
  • Obligation to attend regular education, training or professional activity
  • Prohibition of contact with certain persons designated by the judge (example: accomplices, victims)
  • Prohibition to use the online platform which was used to commit the offense
  • Obligation to comply with the placement order issued by the judge (e.g. placement with a family member, in a youth judicial protection institution or in a educational center closed).
    In general, the maximum duration of the placement is 6 months, renewable once for the same duration. For minors prosecuted for a infringement of terrorism or committed in organized gang incurring a penalty of 10 years or more of imprisonment, the placement can take place for 2 years.

If the minor does not comply with the measures imposed on him, the judge responsible for following him may modify or revoke judicial review.

In the event of revocation, it may pretrial detention under certain conditions.

FYI  

Such obligations and prohibitions may also be modified at the request of the minor (represented by his lawyer), his legal representatives or the person who has custody of it.

How long does the juvenile's judicial review last?

The typical length of judicial review varies depending on the situation in which it was ordered. In certain circumstances, it may end before the date originally scheduled.

Traditional duration of the juvenile's judicial review

Judicial review may last:

  • Until the end of the statement whether it was decided in the context of an investigation
  • Up to the guilty review hearing, if it was pronounced as a result of deferral of the minor
  • Until the penalty is imposed, if it was imposed at the guilty review hearing or during the educational probation period.
End of judicial review of the minor before the scheduled date

The children's judge or the investigating judge (as part of a statement) may terminate the judicial review before the date originally scheduled.

The competent judge may decide to stop the judicial review at the request of the minor (assisted by his lawyer), of its legal representatives or the person who has custody of it (e.g. a family member).

The request must be made by query forwarded to the registry of the juvenile judge or investigating judge (if an investigation is opened).

Who shall I contact

Please note

The judge may also terminate the judicial review of himself or herself or upon request of the public prosecutor.

A judge may restrict the liberty of a minor between the ages of 16 and 18 by requiring him or her to remain at home (or at home) legal representatives), under electronic bracelet. This house arrest is subject to certain conditions. It is valid for a limited time. It is then a question of house arrest under electronic surveillance.

Under what conditions could a minor be placed under house arrest?

A minor may be obliged to stay in a specific place wearing an electronic bracelet when he faces a prison sentence of 3 years or more.

How is the house arrest of a minor decided?

The juvenile offender may be under house arrest by 4 different judges depending on the situation:

The minor's house arrest may only be effected after a adversarial debate.

During this debate, the judge hears the public prosecutor if present, the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives (or the service to which the minor is entrusted).

Its decision is also based on the opinion of the Judicial Protection of Youth.

Please note

In certain circumstances, the presence of the public prosecutor is not mandatory.

If the judge decides to place the minor under electronic surveillance, he or she shall specify the place of assignment, the days and times on which he or she is to remain in the place and the reasons why he or she is entitled to leave.

In addition, he informs him orally obligations and prohibitions to be imposed on it. Finally, it indicates to him that the electronic bracelet can be settled only with his agreement. However, if it refuses such installation, it may give rise to the annulment of theARSE: titleContent and his remand in custody.

FYI  

For the minor's house arrest to be fixed at the domicile of his legal representatives, they must have given their consent.

The minor (represented by his lawyer) or his legal representatives may appeal against the decision of the judge.

The appeal must be made within 10 days of notification of the decision.

The challenge must be forwarded to the special juvenile chamber to which the judge who issued the decision depends. If the ARSE has been decided during the investigation, the appeal shall be made to the investigating chamber.

Who shall I contact

What obligations can the minor under house arrest be subject to?

The judge may impose several obligations and prohibitions on the juvenile offender. Among them:

  • Prohibition of absences from home except under the conditions and for the reasons determined by the judge
  • Obligation to inform the judge of any movement outside the geographical limits he has set
  • Obligation to report to an educational service or an authority designated by the judge (e.g. police, association)
  • Prohibition of contact with certain persons designated by the judge (example: accomplices, victims)
  • Prohibition to use the online platform which was used to commit the offense
  • Obligation to undergo treatment, especially in the case of alcohol or drug offenses
  • Prohibition of possession of a weapon.

FYI  

The judge may order several measures. He may amend them or terminate them himself, at the request of the minor, his legal representatives, the service following him or the public prosecutor.

If the minor does not comply with the obligations and prohibitions imposed on him, the judge may decide to modify or terminate the house arrest.

How long can the minor be placed under house arrest?

The classic duration of house arrest with an electronic bracelet varies according to the situation in which it is ordered. In some circumstances, it may end before the date originally scheduled.

Traditional duration of residence under an electronic bracelet of the minor

The duration of house arrest under electronic bracelet varies depending on the situation in which it was implemented:

  • As part of a statement, it can last 6 months (renewable up to 2 years)
  • Where it has been decided within the framework of a deferral, before the guilty review hearing, or during a single audience, it can last between 10 days and 3 months
  • When it is decided when the guilty review hearing, theARSE: titleContent may last between 6 and 9 months after this hearing.
End of the minor's house arrest before the scheduled date

The minor's house arrest may be terminated by decision of the judge (in particular in the event of a violation of the obligations of the measure) or at the request of the minor, his lawyer, his legal representatives or the public prosecutor.

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At the request of the minor, his lawyer or his legal representative

The children's judge may decide to amend or terminate the ARSE at the request of the minor, his lawyer, his legal representatives, the place of placement or the public prosecutor.

The request must be made in writing and forwarded to the registry of the judge in charge of monitoring the ARSE.

Who shall I contact

In case of violation of the obligations of the ARSE

The house arrest can end before the date initially planned under 2 conditions:

  • Where the minor has breached an obligation laid down in the ARSE. The violation must have occurred several times or have serious consequences
  • In the event of a violation, the reminder or aggravation of the obligations and prohibitions of the ARSE must be insufficient.

In this case, the judge terminates the ARSE and may place the minor in custody. pretrial detention whether this measure is necessary.

Exceptionally, the minor may be temporarily deprived of liberty (imprisoned) before being convicted. This is a pretrial detention. This measure must take place when the judicial review and house arrest are not sufficient.

On what grounds could the minor be remanded in custody?

Pre-trial detention may be ordered in 3 cases:

  • Against a minor suspected of having committed a crime crime
  • Against a minor who faces a sentence of imprisonment greater than or equal to 3 years
  • Against a minor who has failed to comply with the measures set out in the judicial review or a house arrest under electronic surveillance and that the recall or escalation of these measures is not sufficient. It is necessary that the breach has occurred on several occasions or that it has had serious effects.

How is the juvenile remanded in custody?

The minor may be remanded in custody during a statement. In addition, remand in custody may be decided if judicial review orARSE: titleContent has been revoked.

Before ordering this measure, the judge shall hear the public prosecutor, the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives during a adversarial debate. It is also based on the opinion of the Judicial Protection of Young People.

His decision must be reasoned.

When the judge orders pretrial detention, the minor is imprisoned in a special juvenile institution.

The juvenile may challenge the decision to place him in pre-trial detention before the Special Juvenile Chamber within 10 days.

Who shall I contact

The minor may be remanded in custody during a statement or awaiting judgment at a single audience.

In addition, remand in custody may be decided if judicial review orARSE: titleContent has been revoked.

Before ordering this measure, the judge shall hear the public prosecutor, the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives during a adversarial debate. It is also based on the opinion of the Judicial Protection of Young People.

His decision must be reasoned.

When the judge orders pretrial detention, the minor is imprisoned in a special juvenile institution.

The juvenile may challenge the decision to place him in pre-trial detention before the Special Juvenile Chamber within 10 days.

Who shall I contact

How long can the juvenile's pre-trial detention last?

The classic duration of the pretrial detention varies depending on the situation in which it was ordered. In some circumstances, it may end before the date originally scheduled.

Traditional duration of the juvenile's pre-trial detention

In general, the duration of the juvenile's pre-trial detention is limited to 1 month.

As part of a statement, the length of pretrial detention depends on the type of offense for which the minor is being prosecuted (a crime or a offense).

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Crime

During the investigation, the duration of the juvenile's pre-trial detention is one year, renewable for a period of six months (i.e. two years in total).

FYI  

The total duration of pre-trial detention may be 3 years when the minor is indicted for a infringement of terrorism. The same is true if he is suspected of having committed an offense in organized gang for which he faces a prison sentence 10 years or more.

Misdemeanor

During the investigation, the duration of pre-trial detention is:

  • 1 month renewable once for the same period (i.e. 2 months in total), when the penalty he faces is less than 7 years of imprisonment
  • 4 months renewable twice for the same period (i.e. 12 months in total), when the penalty incurred is more than 7 years of imprisonment.

FYI  

The total duration of pre-trial detention may be 2 years when the minor is prosecuted for a terrorist offense (e.g. financing of terrorism). The same is true if he is suspected of having committed an offense in organized gang for which he faces a prison sentence equal to 10 years.

Application for release made by the minor

At any time before the guilty hearing (or before the single audience), the minor (or his lawyer) may apply for release.

The request written must be sent to the Registry of the Judge of Liberty and Detention (JLD) of the place where the case is to be tried.

Who shall I contact

The JLD has 5 days to make its decision. After this period, the minor may submit an application to the special chamber for minors.

Who shall I contact

The judicial review orARSE: titleContent can be combined with a provisional judicial educational measure (MEJP). As part of a pre-trial detention, the implementation of this measure is mandatory.

The MEJP may be pronounced at any stage of the procedure.

FYI  

The MEJP can be decided even though the suspect has become an adult on the day of the hearing. However, it must end when he reaches the age of 21.

Before ordering such a measure, the judge shall hear the minor, his lawyer and his legal representatives (unless they do not appear at the hearing when they have been summoned).

At the end of the hearing, the judge explains the content of the MEJP to the minor and his legal representatives.

In fact, the minor may be obliged to follow one or more modules (e.g. repair module) and to comply with the obligations and prohibitions set by the judge (e.g. the prohibition to appear in the place where the offense has been committed, for a maximum period of 1 year).

The children's judge (or the investigating judge if an investigation is opened) monitors the MEJP. At any time, it may modify the content or terminate it.

The MEJP is not limited in time. However, in general, it is exercised until the judgment of the minor or on guilt if it was ordered at the time of the deferral, or on the penalty if it was ordered during the period of educational testing.

Warning  

As part of a statement, the MEJP is pronounced for a renewable period of 1 year.

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