What must happen to a suspect if charges are not filed within 24 hours?

If charges are not filed within 24 hours, the suspect must be released. This is grounded in the legal principle of ensuring timely due process for individuals who are in custody. Holding a suspect without formally charging them within this timeframe can infringe upon their rights, leading to potential unlawful detention. The requirement for a timely arraignment is a safeguard within the justice system to prevent indefinite detention without charge.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not align with the established legal standards regarding the handling of suspects in custody. For instance, requiring the suspect to stay longer or facing additional penalties does not adhere to the necessity of charges being filed within the specified timeframe. Additionally, while a suspect can be charged later, the immediate requirement upon the 24-hour mark is to ensure their release if no formal charges are made. Thus, the principle is clear: to protect individual rights, a suspect cannot be held indefinitely without charges being brought forward.