Is there a time limit for detention?
Asked by: Agnes Hammes | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)
Yes, there are time limits for detention, but they vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction, the reason for detention (criminal, immigration, juvenile), and the specific circumstances, generally ranging from short initial periods (like 48 hours for warrantless arrests) to longer periods while awaiting court hearings, with specific rules for juveniles and immigration cases. Key timeframes include initial warrantless detention (often up to 48 hours before charges or arraignment), immigration detainer holds (up to 48 hours for ICE), and juvenile detention hearings (often within 24-48 hours of arrest).
How long can someone be held in detention?
How long you can be detained varies, but generally, police need reasonable suspicion for a brief stop (minutes to hours) and probable cause for arrest, after which you must usually be charged or released/arraigned within 24-48 hours, though serious crimes, terrorism, or legal nuances (like weekend/holiday delays) can extend this significantly, sometimes up to several days before a judge sees you, depending on the jurisdiction.
What is the 72 hour rule in jail?
The "72-hour rule" in jail generally means law enforcement must bring an arrested person before a judge or file formal charges within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) of arrest, or the person must be released, though this is a guideline, and delays (especially for lab results) can occur. This initial appearance, called a preliminary hearing or arraignment, determines bail and appoints counsel, influencing the case's early direction.
What is the period of detention?
The maximum period of detention is 12 months. The order can also be made by the District Magistrate or a Commissioner of Police under their respective jurisdictions, but the detention should be reported to the State Government along with the grounds on which the order has been made.
What is the maximum length of detention?
How long you can be detained varies, but generally, police need reasonable suspicion for a brief stop (minutes to hours) and probable cause for arrest, after which you must usually be charged or released/arraigned within 24-48 hours, though serious crimes, terrorism, or legal nuances (like weekend/holiday delays) can extend this significantly, sometimes up to several days before a judge sees you, depending on the jurisdiction.
Detention Action - a call for a time limit on immigration detention
Is detention the same as jail?
Detention is the temporary holding of a person in custody, often pre-trial or for minor offenses, while jail is a local, short-term facility for those awaiting trial, serving short sentences (under a year for misdemeanors), or awaiting transfer. The key difference lies in purpose and duration: detention (often a stage before jail or a specific facility) is for holding, whereas jail houses both pre-trial detainees and convicted individuals serving brief jail time, whereas prison is for long-term felony sentences.
Is 18 absences bad?
Yes, 18 absences is generally considered bad because it often marks a student as chronically absent, missing 10% or more of the school year, which significantly harms academic performance and can lead to failing classes, repeating grades, or even truancy issues, regardless of good grades. Both excused and unexcused absences count towards this threshold, impacting reading proficiency, social skills, and graduation chances, so it's crucial to address the reasons and check school policies.
Can school legally keep you for detention?
Other times, students stay after school as a form of punishment. Schools are legally allowed to make students stay after class for detention, although they must give notice and apply reasonable restrictions.
What happens if my 14-year-old refuses to go to school?
If a 14-year-old refuses school, it often signals underlying issues like anxiety, bullying, or depression, requiring open communication, collaboration with the school (counselors, 504/IEP plans), and professional mental health support (therapist, pediatrician) to find solutions, as prolonged refusal can lead to truancy issues for parents, but the focus should be on addressing the root cause, not just forcing attendance, using strategies like therapy (CBT) and tailored school accommodations.
How much is $20 worth in jail?
With $20 per month, the prisoner could at least purchase soap, quality toothpaste (and a quality toothbrush), and batteries for their radio. Even a single check for $15 could allow a prisoner to purchase a few comforts which would traditionally be outside of their reach.
What is rule 21 in jail?
Upon the defendant's motion, the court must transfer the proceeding against that defendant to another district if the court is satisfied that so great a prejudice against the defendant exists in the transferring district that the defendant cannot obtain a fair and impartial trial there.
Can you walk away if you're being detained?
If the officer informs you that they do not intend to detain you, you can leave at that point. However, if they do intend to detain you, they may question you, transport you to the police station or even place you under arrest if they suspect you of a crime.
How long can cops keep you detained?
Police can detain you for a reasonable time based on "reasonable suspicion" for brief investigative stops (like a Terry stop), but must have "probable cause" for arrest; if arrested, they generally must bring you before a judge within 48 hours for a probable cause hearing (the Riverside v. McLaughlin standard), though this varies by state, with some allowing longer detentions (up to 72 hours or more) before charges, especially for serious crimes like terrorism, requiring a judge's approval for extensions.
Why are detentions bad?
Detention and other punitive measures, like suspensions and expulsions, can contribute to other issues, such as recidivism among students, despite harsher or longer punishments. These measures have the potential to increase apathy and defiance.
Is 7 absences in a school year bad?
Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school year, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student's academic performance. That's just two days a month and that's known as chronic absence.
Can I be punished for what I do outside of school?
A student can be punished if what they do outside of school: Creates a “hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits,” They place a student in actual, reasonable fear of being harmed or having their property damaged or destroyed.
What does "truant" actually mean?
Definition & meaning
A truant is a student who is absent from school without a valid excuse. This term typically applies to students aged six to eighteen, as well as those enrolled in public school who are between eighteen and twenty-one years old.
Is 33 absences bad?
Students who miss more than 18 days of school are less proficient in reading, writing and math compared to their peers with good attendance. Students who do not learn the fundamentals of reading, writing and math by third grade are more likely to fall behind and are less likely to graduate high school.
How long can you be in detention?
How long you can be detained varies, but generally, police need reasonable suspicion for a brief stop (minutes to hours) and probable cause for arrest, after which you must usually be charged or released/arraigned within 24-48 hours, though serious crimes, terrorism, or legal nuances (like weekend/holiday delays) can extend this significantly, sometimes up to several days before a judge sees you, depending on the jurisdiction.
What is the lowest level of jail?
Minimum security institutions, also known as Federal Prison Camps (FPCs), have dormitory housing, a relatively low staff-to-inmate ratio, and limited or no perimeter fencing.
Are detention officers cops?
A corrections officer or correctional officer is a law enforcement agent who is in charge of individuals who have been arrested. They work with those who are awaiting trial and those who have already been sentenced and are serving time in prison.