How long can a jail hold you?

Asked by: Athena Nikolaus  |  Last update: July 18, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (71 votes)

Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you. Failure to do that is a violation of your rights.

How long can you be held in jail without being charged?

If arrested or called in for questioning, California Penal Code Section 825 states that defendants must be brought before a judge within 48 hours to determine whether they will be charged or released. In other words, you can be held for 48 hours without charges.

What is the longest you can stay in county jail?

If you are charged with a misdemeanor crime, you will often be sentenced to serve a period of time in the county jail. Generally, the maximum jail sentence you can receive for a misdemeanor is 364 days. This means that inmates can stay in county jail for less than a year before they must be released.

What is the longest you can be detained?

An investigative detention may last anywhere from a few seconds to more than an hour, though there is no absolute time limit for a detention. However, it “must be temporary and last no longer than is necessary to effectuate the purpose of the stop…” United States v.

Can you be held in jail indefinitely?

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 also allows for indefinite detention as a maximum penalty.

How Long Can Immigration Hold You In Jail? - CountyOffice.org

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Can you be in jail longer than a year?

You can remain in 'jail' for years sometimes before being sent to a prison facility, even after sentencing. In the USA, sentences of less than 1 year are misdemeanors and can be served in a jail. Sentences of longer than 1 year are felonies and are served in prison.

Can you refuse to be handcuffed?

You are being arrested. This can be accomplished with reasonable force. It is not your choice to refuse to be handcuffed like you are deciding between soup and salad at a restaurant.

How long can police hold you without arresting you?

State Time Restraints. The Constitution only stipulates that the police cannot hold individuals without charge for an unreasonable period. To provide clarification on what this means, many states set time limits for holding individuals in custody without charge. This period is usually 72 hours.

Is there a time limit for detention?

How Long Can I Be Held In Custody Before Being Charged? The rules regarding time limits of detention ahead of charges are clear and strict. You may only be legally detained for 24 hours from your arrest without being charged and being informed of the allegations against you.

What is the longest time to stay in jail?

  1. 1 Francis Smith: 72 Years. Longest serving prisoner in history.
  2. 2 Paul Geidel: 69 Years. Dying Inside: Elderly in Prison – Fault Lines. ...
  3. 3 John Phillips: 69 Years. ...
  4. 4 Joseph Ligon: 68 Years. ...
  5. 5 Walter Bourque: 67+ Years. ...
  6. 6 Johnson Van Dyke Grigsby: 66 Years. ...
  7. 7 Sammie Robinson: 66 Years. ...
  8. 8 Warren Nutter: 65 Years. ...

Do all felonies go to jail?

However, it's a common misconception that all felonies automatically result in jail time. The truth is more nuanced. Under California law, judges possess considerable discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose probation in certain cases instead of incarceration.

Is it true in jails 24 hours means two days?

In the USA. NO. Day and night are not “counted as separate days.” It is possible to be sentenced to 2 days; go in one day, get out the next day = 2 days. Total time in jail might be less than 24 hours!

What is the difference between a holding cell and a jail?

In criminal law , a holding cell is defined as a courthouse jail , lockup, or confinement facility , where an accused person is temporarily detained or confined during a trial or pending a sentence .

What does a federal hold mean in jail?

HFED – HOLD FEDERAL: A hold issued by the federal government when other cases/arrests on an incarcerated individual detained in Sheriff's custody with federal cases are pending. HFUG – HOLD FUGITIVE WARRANT: A hold placed on an incarcerated individual wanted on charges in another state.

How long can I be held in jail without being charged?

Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you. Failure to do that is a violation of your rights.

What do the police not want you to know?

Right to Remain Silent

This right is probably the most known of all. You have the right to remain silent when being questioned by the police. Anything you say or do can be used against you. You have the right to have legal representation at the time of any police interrogation.

Can you be handcuffed while being detained?

Yes. Anytime someone is detained, an officer can handcuff them for mutual protection if it is believed to be necessary.

How long can you be handcuffed?

There is no set time limit for having a suspect handcuffed. As long as the situation takes, suspects remain cuffed. In some situations, if you were being held at the scene, police may determine you are not the suspect and remove the cuffs and release you.

Can a cop handcuff you without reading your rights?

The police are not required to read your Miranda rights at the time of the initial arrest unless they intend to interrogate you at that moment. In most cases, the Miranda warning is only required once you are in police custody and facing interrogation.

What is a police Terry stop?

Defined. A Terry stop is defined as “a brief, temporary involuntary detention of a person suspected of being involved in criminal activity for the purpose of investigating the potential criminal violation.

Does spending a night in jail go on your record?

That you spent a night in jail is part of the public record. Most places with jails (some cities but mostly counties) release their records of daily bookings into their facilities.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.