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The Suspect is Arrested

What Happens When an Adult is Arrested

An adult can be arrested after an investigation by the police, or, depending on the situation, can be arrested immediately. To do this, the police have to have enough evidence that someone has committed a serious crime, then they can be arrested.

Being arrested gives the police the ability to take photographs and fingerprints of the person. When someone has been arrested, the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) will decide whether to keep the suspect in custody until going to the Preliminary Hearing, or if the suspect will be released on bail.

 
The Suspect Goes Through the Bail Process

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​You Have the Right

In addition to rights that have already been listed and the police began the investigation, you have the following rights:

 
If you were a victim of a personal injury crime, law enforcement shall make reasonable efforts to notify you of the arrest of a suspect. Notice of the arrest shall be provided no more than 24 hours after the preliminary arraignment.

 
In personal injury crimes, you have the right to receive immediate notice of the escape of an adult offender and subsequent apprehension.