What does it mean when charges are on hold?

Asked by: Otto Wiza  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (17 votes)

"Charging on hold" means your device (like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook) has temporarily paused charging, usually for one of two reasons: temperature issues (device is too hot or cold) to protect the battery, or battery optimization (like Apple's Optimized Battery Charging) which pauses at 80% to improve long-term battery health. The message usually explains that charging will resume when conditions are normal or the software determines it's needed.

What does it mean when charges say hold?

A "hold" is a document which can be issued by any agency. The Hold Arrest type is used to indicate an arrest(s) pending the adjudication of local charges/cases. A Hold Arrest is NEVER booked as the first arrest.

What does "hold charge" mean?

A holding charge is a minor criminal offense filed against an individual. Its primary purpose is to legally keep the accused in custody while prosecutors take time to gather evidence and prepare more serious charges for their case.

How long can a person be held without being charged?

How Long Can You Be Held Without Charges in California? If you're arrested in California, the police can only hold you for 48 hours before they must release you or file formal charges (Cal. Penal Code § 825).

Why would a criminal case be on hold?

Scheduling conflicts. If an attorney involved in the case has a scheduling conflict with another case, a judge may agree to delay a trial in order to accommodate the attorney. In some instances, a judge may even agree to delay a trial for more personal reasons, such as the birth of a lawyer's grandchild.

How Criminal Charges Get Filed

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What does it mean if a case is held?

Held in the context of a legal judgment or pronouncement means decided or ruled, as in "the court held that the contract was valid." The holding of the court is binding, and it can only be set aside by appealing the judgment before a higher forum. [Last reviewed in February of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team] Wex.

What color do judges like to see in court?

Judges generally prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy, gray, black, and white, as these convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, avoiding distractions in a formal court setting; bright colors, bold patterns, and overly casual attire should be avoided to show you're taking the proceedings seriously. While some suggest lighter, muted tones (like light blue) might leave a favorable impression, the key is sobriety and fitting in, not standing out.
 

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 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.

How long can you be in jail before being charged?

You can generally be held in jail for 48 hours without formal charges, though this can extend to 72 hours (3 days), especially over weekends or holidays, before a judge must find probable cause or the prosecutor files charges, requiring release or a bail hearing, though exceptions exist. The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy arraignment, meaning law enforcement can't hold you indefinitely without a prosecutor deciding to proceed with charges or release you, often after your initial appearance before a judge. 

What does it mean when a charge is on hold?

It has been the norm for years that, when you give your credit card for advance payment authorization by a hotel or rental car company, a “hold” is placed on your account to cover the anticipated charges.

Is being charged the same as being guilty?

Charges are based on evidence and information collected by law enforcement. Legal Status: Being charged does not imply guilt. It signifies that there is enough reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe the individual committed the crime, warranting further legal proceedings.

Is holding the same as 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.

How long will I be in jail if I have a warrant?

In the event that you are unable to post the required bail amount following your arrest on a bench warrant, you may be detained until your next scheduled court appearance. This interim period can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the court's calendar and the specific circumstances of your case.

Is it better to have charges dropped or dismissed?

When the charges are dropped, the prosecution still has the opportunity to pursue a case against you at a later time. This can happen if they gather additional evidence and can build a stronger case. If your charges are dismissed with prejudice, the case is permanently over and cannot be brought back to court.

Is $50 enough for an inmate?

Most inmates need between $50 and $150 per month to cover basic expenses comfortably. Some may need less, while others may need more, depending on the facility's pricing and the inmate's needs. Jails often charge higher prices than state prisons, and items like phone time and commissary goods can add up quickly.

How to pay bills while in jail?

You may need to ask someone else to do this. It may be best to ask for a payment break until you are released. It can be harder to choose a debt solution, for example going bankrupt, while in prison. You can download our letter template to ask your creditors to put your account on hold while you serve your prison term.

Does being detained mean going to jail?

No, detained does not always mean jail; it's a temporary stop by police for investigation (like a Terry stop) based on "reasonable suspicion," while jail/arrest involves being taken into custody with "probable cause" for formal charges, though both mean you're not free to leave. Detention is brief, allowing officers to investigate, whereas an arrest is a more formal seizure of a person, leading to booking and jail time.
 

What is the longest you can be detained?

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. 

Which states have a no-chase law?

There isn't a single "no-chase law" across all states; instead, laws and policies vary, with many jurisdictions restricting police pursuits to serious, violent felonies due to public safety concerns, while some areas like Atlanta have strict "zero-chase" policies, relying on tracking and warrants for less severe crimes. Key examples include Michigan's restrictions to violent felonies and DC's law requiring pursuit only if death or serious injury is unlikely, though even these have nuances and are debated.
 

How to tell if a judge is good?

A good judge needs to be even-tempered, yet firm; open-minded, yet willing and able to reach a decision; confident, yet not self-centered. Mental and physical capacity to fulfill the duties of judicial office.

How to look more innocent in court?

Individuals should stick with darker, more serious colors and avoid bright colors, intricate patterns, or any non-traditional fashion choices. While women and men may wear different clothing, both genders should conceal any visible tattoos and wear their hair in a trimmed, combed or styled fashion with a natural color.

How to impress a judge in court?

To impress a judge, be prepared, respectful, and credible by dressing appropriately, arriving early, knowing your case thoroughly, staying calm and polite (using "Your Honor"), speaking clearly and directly, avoiding exaggeration or opinion, and showing active engagement through note-taking. Judges value clarity, honesty, and efficiency, so provide easy-to-understand facts and solutions rather than emotional outbursts or unrequested details, allowing your attorney to handle communication.