How does the CCP define "arrest"?

The definition of "arrest" within the context of the Code of Criminal Procedure is primarily about taking a person into custody. This definition encompasses the legal authority that law enforcement has to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. The act of arrest involves the physical restraint of an individual and typically signifies that the person is no longer free to leave, either due to probable cause that they have committed an offense or the issuance of a warrant.

Taking someone into custody is a critical step in the criminal justice process, as it allows law enforcement to initiate further legal proceedings against the individual. This action must follow due process and be based on legal grounds to ensure it upholds constitutional protections.

In contrast, questioning a suspect refers to obtaining information from a person and does not necessarily indicate that they are in custody. A formal charge refers to the legal accusation that occurs after the arrest has already taken place, and issuing a citation pertains to minor offenses and does not involve an arrest or custody in the same sense. These distinctions clarify why taking a person into custody accurately captures the essence of what constitutes an arrest under the CCP.