Arrest is the act of a police officer or other law enforcement official taking someone into custody for a suspected crime. Those arrested can be charged with a number of crimes, including misdemeanors and felonies. There are different laws in each state and country that govern what is considered a valid arrest, and it’s important to understand these procedures when you are facing any sort of legal trouble.
In most states and countries, an arrest can only be made by a law enforcement official or other authorized individual. However, some jurisdictions allow citizens to make a citizen’s arrest on their own if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that the person has committed or is about to commit a crime. If this happens, the citizen must immediately turn the suspect over to the police officer.
An arrest can also be made by a security guard at a store who detains the suspect and gives them a ticket for shoplifting. This is an example of what is called a “shoplifting arrest.” The person does not have to go to jail, but they do need to appear in court on the charges.
After an arrest, the suspect is taken to a police station and given an inventory of their personal belongings, which are usually returned after the case is finished. The person is then referred to the district attorney’s office, which decides whether to file formal charges against the suspect. If the DA decides to file charges, the suspect will be notified and will be scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment.