What Is the Difference Between Being Arrested vs. Detention in Wyoming?

What Goes Into an Arrest?

When someone is arrested, it means that they are temporarily taken into custody by the police. There are different reasons why somebody might be arrested, but in most cases, it’s because the individual is suspected of committing a crime.

To make an arrest, the police must have probable cause – that is, they must have evidence that suggests that the person has committed a crime. The evidence can be anything from witness testimony to physical evidence recovered at the scene of the crime.

If the police have enough evidence to believe that a crime has been committed, they will arrest the individual and take them into custody. They will then have to go through the process of booking the person, which includes taking their fingerprints and photograph.

What If I’m Detained By Law Enforcement?

In contrast, when somebody is detained, it means that they are not arrested, but instead are being held for questioning. This usually happens when the police want to ask a person some questions about a crime that they may have witnessed or been involved in.

Detention can also happen if the police suspect that somebody is in the country illegally. In these cases, the person may be held in a detention center while their immigration status is verified.

Unlike an arrest, there is no requirement for probable cause before somebody can be detained. The police simply need to have a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime or is in the country illegally.

What Is the Difference Between Being Arrested and Being Detained in Wyoming?

The main difference is that being arrested means that you have been taken into custody because the police believe that you have committed a crime. Detained, on the other hand, means that you are being held for questioning or because the police suspect that you have committed a crime.

In both cases, the police must have a reason for taking you into custody. However, in the case of an arrest, they must have probable cause to believe that they have committed a crime. For detention, they simply need to have reasonable suspicion.

Another key difference is that arrested individuals must be booked by the police. This includes taking their fingerprints and photographing. Detained individuals do not need to be booked and may be released without any further processing. If you have been arrested or detained, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer for help.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you have been arrested or detained, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer for help. A lawyer can review the evidence against you and determine whether there is probable cause for your arrest. They can also ensure that your rights are protected during questioning by the police. Call our criminal defense law firm today at 307-333-7884 for a free consultation.