La. Code Crim. Proc. art. 209
Current with operative changes from the 2024 Third Special Legislative Session
When a complaint is made of the commission of a misdemeanor and the requirements of Article 202 are met, the magistrate may issue a summons instead of a warrant of arrest, if he has reasonable ground to believe that the person against whom the complaint is made will appear upon a summons. In a case where a summons has been issued, a warrant of arrest may be issued later in its place.
La. Cr.P. § 209