What is the difference between being arrested and detained?
If you are arrested, you can be taken into custody, which means that you are not free to leave the scene. Without being arrested, you can be detained, however, or held for brief questioning for a short time if a police officer or other person believes you may be involved in a crime. For example, an officer may detain you if you are carrying a large box near a burglary site. A storekeeper can also detain you if he/she suspects you have stolen something until the police arrive. Whether you are arrested or detained, you do not have to answer any questions except to give your name and address and show some identification if requested. If a DUI or drug arrest is involved you may need to provide a chemical test or face additional penalties. > back to top Are police the only people who can arrest me? All law enforcement officers – such as police officers, county sheriff officers, investigators in a district attorney’s or an attorney general’s offices and highway patrol officers – can arrest y
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