The competent magistrate must inform the interested party of his decision by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt within two months of receipt of the request. This period is extended to four months if an expert opinion is ordered.
Failing a response within this period, or if the magistrate does not grant the request, the interested party may refer the matter to the juge des libertés et de la détention for the same purpose within ten days by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt or by declaration to the clerk’s office.