Q: Can the cops legally arrest someone based solely on what a 13 yr said when there are 2 other witnesses that said the opp
A: In Arkansas, law enforcement officers generally have the authority to arrest an individual based on information they receive, including statements from witnesses, even if there are conflicting accounts. The key factor in making an arrest is establishing probable cause, which means having a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and the person being arrested is involved. If a 13-year-old's statement is deemed credible and there is no immediate evidence to contradict it, the police might have grounds for the arrest. However, this doesn't necessarily conclude the matter. Police typically conduct further investigation to gather additional evidence and verify the accuracy of the accounts provided by witnesses. Subsequently, the decision to press charges rests with the prosecutor's office, and legal proceedings afford the accused individual the opportunity to present their side of the story and challenge the evidence.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
