What is the difference between detained and incarcerated?

Asked by: Mr. Kieran Price II  |  Last update: May 12, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (39 votes)

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.

Is being detained the same as being in jail?

What is Detention in California? Definition: A temporary hold or stop by law enforcement to investigate possible criminal activity. Detention does not mean you're under arrest.

How long can you 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 an example of being detained?

Detention is meant to be brief and allows officers to ask questions or conduct a quick investigation. A common example is being stopped for questioning during a traffic stop or in a public place. Although you are not free to leave during detention, you haven't been arrested yet.

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.

What Is The Difference Between Being Arrested And Being Detained?

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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.

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.

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.

Does detainment go on record?

If law enforcement officials briefly detain someone, it doesn't typically result in a mark on that person's record unless it escalates to an arrest.

What does detained mean in easy words?

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.

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.

Is there a time limit for detention?

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.

How long can you be legally detained?

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.

Where do you go after being detained?

If the person has been detained pending an investigation or questioning, he or she may remain in a local or county jail until read his or her Miranda Rights so he or she may acquire a lawyer. Being detained by police is often the first step before an investigation into a possible crime occurs.

What does detained do?

Detainment. Detainment refers to the act of a law enforcement officer temporarily keeping an individual in custody without an arrest, to conduct an investigation, make an inquiry, or prevent an imminent crime.

Does detention ruin your record?

I'm scared that my few detentions will affect my chances of getting into a good school. Any advice/info is helpful, thanks! Hey there! Generally, colleges don't see detentions on your record as they're considered a minor disciplinary action.

How much can you get for unlawful detainment?

A conservative estimate is that you can get $1,000 per hour of wrongful incarceration. This figure can go up to many thousands of dollars per hour if aggravating factors apply. For instance, if you had medical complications after your arrest and had to go to the hospital in handcuffs, then your payout could be higher.

Do you have to identify yourself when detained?

This means that when you are stopped by the police in a public place in California, you are not required to provide identification unless the police decide to lawfully detain or arrest you. You can always politely decline to identify yourself during a random police encounter in public.

Can a cop handcuff you without saying anything?

You do not need to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, except that the police may ask for your name once you have been detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to provide it.

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 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.

Is ICE picking up inmates?

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.

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.

What does detention only mean in jail?

DETENTION ONLY RELEASE: Inmates on whom criminal charges are not. filed within 48 hours of arrest shall have open charges dispositioned as a "Detention. Only." ( Refer to Penal Code Sections 825 and 851.6) Staff shall issue detention certificates to inmates whose release dispositions are "Detention Only".