How long can someone be detained?
Asked by: Edd Dach | Last update: June 15, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (42 votes)
How long can you be detained by the police? An investigative
What is the longest you can be detained?
While no set time limit exists, police are only allowed to detain you for a reasonable period while they conduct an investigation. During the investigation, they will likely try asking you questions. Always politely inform the police that you don't answer questions without legal representation.
How long can you be detained without charges?
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 an inmate be held?
How long can an inmate be held in jail? There is no limit. If it takes 10 years to get to trial (rare but does happen) and they can't bond out, they will spend that full 10 years in jail.
How long can police detain you in Illinois?
In Illinois, the general rule is you can be held in police custody for up to 48 hours without being charged. After that the police must either charge you with a crime or release you. This rule is to prevent indefinite detention and to make sure you're not deprived of your freedom without cause.
How Long Can Someone Be Detained Immigration? - CountyOffice.org
Can a cop detain you without telling you why?
Police may briefly detain a pedestrian if they have at least reasonable, articulable suspicion that the pedestrian is involved in current or imminent criminal activity. (Note that while they must have specific, articulable facts to support this suspicion, they do not have to share those facts with you).
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.
What is the longest time you can stay in jail?
When it comes to the maximum amount of time you can spend in jail for a crime, the answer varies depending on the crime. For some crimes, such as murder, you could spend the rest of your life in jail. For other crimes, such as a traffic violation, you may only spend a few days behind bars.
What is the maximum you can stay in jail?
the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc. the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
What time do inmates go to bed in jail?
At 9 PM, inmates return to their housing area and are allowed to watch television, play checkers, chess, cards or write letters. At 11 PM, the inmate is locked into his cell and the lights are dimmed for the night. In medium security prisons, most inmates remain in the prison 24 hours a day.
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.
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.
Do police have to feed you in custody?
You have a right to request a cheese sandwich if you do not eat meat. You also have a right to request drinking water, soap and toilet paper if these items necessities are not provided.
What is the 100 prisoner rule?
In this problem, 100 numbered prisoners must find their own numbers in one of 100 drawers in order to survive. The rules state that each prisoner may open only 50 drawers and cannot communicate with other prisoners after the first prisoner enters to look in the drawers.
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.
How long can a person sit in jail?
In California it is 48 hours. This was once considered to be 2 working days but a court case several years ago said that 48 hours means 48 hours. Every arrest had to have a “probable cause declaration” that had to be reviewed by a judge within 48 hours weekends and holidays included.
What's the longest someone can be out on bail?
Extension of police bail time limits by the courts
Courts can extend the bail period in standard cases from 9 months to 12 months. The police must make this application to the court before the end of the current bail period.
Can a cop put you in handcuffs without telling you why?
For starters, it's worth knowing the police cannot stop you without a reason. They need something called “reasonable suspicion” to believe you're linked to a crime. If they can't explain why they're stopping you, you might be facing an illegal detention.
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.
How long can police leave you handcuffed?
Unless arrested, the use of restraints on detainees should continue only for as long as is reasonably necessary to assure the safety of officers and others.
Why do cops ask where you are going?
The real purpose is to seek what are called admissions to crimes and/statements against interest. If you are charged with a crime, these statements will almost certainly be used against you.
How do you know if cops are watching your Facebook?
If you are getting an influx of new and unknown friend requests, changes in your privacy settings, or increased surveillance in real life, this may be an indicator that cops are monitoring your Facebook or other social media accounts.
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.