Understanding Arizona's Citizen's Arrest Laws

How to Navigate Citizen's Arrest Laws in Arizona

Imagine this: you are out running errands and witness someone committing a crime. You may be tempted to take matters into your own hands and make a citizen's arrest. However, before you do, it is important to understand the citizen's arrest laws in Arizona. This article will guide you through the legalities of making a citizen's arrest in Arizona.

What is a Citizen's Arrest?

A citizen's arrest is when a private individual detains someone they believe has committed a crime. In Arizona, citizens have the authority to make an arrest if they witness a misdemeanor or felony crime occurring in their presence.

When can You Make a Citizen's Arrest?

Arizona law allows citizens to make an arrest without a warrant when a public offense is committed in their presence. This includes felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses. However, there are some restrictions on when and how you can make a citizen's arrest.

Restrictions on Citizen's Arrests in Arizona

There are some restrictions on citizen's arrests in Arizona. A citizen's arrest can only be made for public offenses, not private offenses. Public offenses are crimes that are a threat to the public or society at large. For example, it is legal to make a citizen's arrest for a burglary, but not for a contract dispute.

Additionally, a citizen's arrest can only be made when the individual committing the crime is attempting to escape or there is a likelihood they will escape before law enforcement arrives at the scene. Moreover, the citizen making the arrest must witness the crime as it happens and must have reasonable grounds to believe that the person arrested committed the crime.

Use of Excessive Force and Citizen's Arrests

Arizona law does not authorize the use of excessive force when making a citizen's arrest. The amount of force used must be reasonable under the circumstances. Using excessive force when making a citizen's arrest can result in criminal charges for the person making the arrest.

What Happens After a Citizen's Arrest is Made?

Once a citizen's arrest is made, the arrested person must be delivered to law enforcement officials immediately and taken without unnecessary delay for processing. If the citizen who made the arrest uses excessive force or detains the individual for an unreasonable length of time, they could face civil action or criminal charges.

Consequences for False Arrests

In Arizona, if a person makes a citizen's arrest without proper legal authority, they can face criminal charges for false imprisonment, assault, and battery, and they can be held liable for any damages or injuries sustained by the person arrested.

Get Legal Help if You Need It

Making a citizen's arrest can be a risky and complex situation. If you are not sure whether to make a citizen's arrest, it is best to contact law enforcement officials instead of taking matters into your own hands. If you have been arrested or charged after making a citizen's arrest, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the legal system.

In conclusion, a citizen's arrest is allowed in Arizona, but it is vital to know what type of offenses qualify for a citizen's arrest and to make sure that no excessive force is used when making the arrest. To learn more, visit Arizona Citizen's Arrest Laws.