MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

A person must be arraigned within how many hours?

1. 24 hours

2. 48 hours

3. 72 hours

4. 96 hours

The correct answer is: 72 hours

The correct answer is based on the legal stipulations regarding the timely arraignment of individuals who are in custody. According to common legal standards, a person must be arraigned within 72 hours of being arrested, unless a judicial officer specifically waives this requirement. This prompt arraignment is crucial for ensuring that individuals' rights are protected and that they are informed of the charges against them in a timely manner. This 72-hour timeframe ensures that the justice system operates efficiently and that individuals are not held in custody without a clear understanding of the charges or without the opportunity to seek legal counsel. The time limit is designed to prevent unnecessary delays and to uphold the principle of timely judicial review, which is essential in maintaining fair judicial processes. In contrast, the options suggesting 24 hours, 48 hours, or 96 hours do not align with the standard legal requirement in many jurisdictions. The enforcement of the 72-hour rule emphasizes the importance of balancing law enforcement's need to investigate and the accused's right to a prompt legal process.