Arrest and Detention in Pennsylvania

Juvenile Law Center,

This fact sheet answers questions like:

  • When and how can I be taken into police custody?
  • Will I be photographed and fingerprinted?
  • Will the police take a DNA sample from me?
  • How long can I be kept at a police station after an arrest?
  • If I am detained until my court date, where can I be placed?
  • Can I be placed in secure detention before I have a detention hearing?
  • What is decided at the detention hearing?