How long can a law enforcement officer detain a suspect without filing charges in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, law enforcement officers are permitted to detain a suspect without filing charges for up to 24 hours. This time frame is established to balance the need for police to investigate and assess whether there is sufficient evidence to support a charge while also respecting the rights of individuals to not be held indefinitely without due process.

After the 24-hour period, if there is no formal charge filed, the detainee must be released. This rule helps ensure that individuals are not subject to excessive detention without cause, promoting fair treatment within the legal system. The 24-hour limit thus serves as a crucial guideline in the lawful practice of detaining suspects.