What does it mean when someone is detained?
Asked by: Helen Frami | Last update: September 15, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (54 votes)
Detention is the process whereby a state or private citizen lawfully holds a person by removing their freedom or liberty at that time. This can be due to (pending) criminal charges preferred against the individual pursuant to a prosecution or to protect a person or property.
What does it mean when you are detained?
Definition: A temporary hold or stop by law enforcement to investigate possible criminal activity. Detention does not mean you're under arrest. Legal Standard: Requires reasonable suspicion, which means the officer has specific, articulable facts suggesting you may be involved in criminal activity.
What does detained a person mean?
to force someone officially to stay in a place: A suspect is being detained by the police for further questioning. To detain someone is also to delay that person for a short period of time: We were detained in traffic and arrived at the theater a little late.
How long can a person be detained for?
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 is the difference between a jail and a detained?
both detaining and incarcerating persons in Federal custody. Detention is the temporary holding of individu- als accused of Federal crimes or those awaiting sentencing or depor- tation. Incarceration is the long-term confinement of convicted and sentenced offenders.
ICE makes over 2,500 immigration arrests since Trump inauguration
How long does detained last?
How long can you be detained by the police? 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.
How do you know if someone is being detained?
If you are looking for someone who might be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you can search the ICE Detainee Locator or by calling (866) 347-2423. It will help to have the person's Alien Number (A#) on hand, if you know it. This number appears on green cards or work permits.
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.
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).
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 to do if someone is detained?
- Ask your friend/family member for their A-Number (A#) This number usually contains 9 digits. ...
- Locating someone in detention. ...
- Communication/visits. ...
- Report any raids. ...
- Gather immigration and criminal documents if any. ...
- Locating immigration court hearing information.
What is a sentence for detain?
Examples of detain in a Sentence
They were detained by the police for questioning. He claimed he had been illegally detained.
What is the act of being detained?
In criminal law , to detain an individual is to hold them in custody , normally for a temporary period of time . Police in the United States, under Supreme Court precedent in Terry v.
Why do people say "I am being detained"?
Being detained means that you're temporarily held by law enforcement – you aren't necessarily being arrested, but you're not free to leave. This typically happens when police officers have a reasonable suspicion that you may be involved in illegal activity.
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 happens when you are in detention?
While it may vary from school to school, generally, detention involves spending a set amount of time (usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour) after school or during lunch in a designated room under the supervision of a teacher or staff member.
How long can you be detained for?
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 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.
What if a person is unlawfully detained?
Victims of unlawful detention can seek various remedies, including filing complaints against the involved officers or law enforcement agency, motions to exclude evidence obtained during the detention, and federal or state lawsuits for injunctions or monetary damages.
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.
Can police use force to detain you?
Police officers are generally allowed to use reasonable force to take a person into custody.
Can I sue for a handcuff injury?
Can I sue for a handcuff injury? Yes, if you have sustained an injury due to the improper use of handcuffs, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the responsible party.
What happens when you get detained?
At the precinct, a police officer will interview you and ask for “pedigree” information, including your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, etc. Once you have been fingerprinted you will be taken to Central Booking and processed for arraignment, which is an appearance before a judge.
What does it mean when you have been detained?
An officer's "brief and cursory" holding and questioning of someone is a detention. An example is a cop stopping someone who is behaving suspiciously in order to ask a few questions. The suspect isn't free to leave, but he also isn't under arrest, at least until the officer develops probable cause.
How long can ICE hold you in jail?
ICE can put an immigration “hold” or “detainer” on you if you are deportable. If ICE puts a hold on you, ICE will likely pick you up from the jail. To allow ICE to do this, the jail will probably keep you for up to 48 hours after the time you are supposed to be released.