What is the difference between an arrest and a citation?

• A. An arrest involves physical custody with probable cause; a citation is a summons to appear in court without immediate custody.
• B. A citation is always more serious than an arrest.
• C. An arrest is a type of citation only for minor offenses.
• D. A citation requires physical custody for booking.

Answer: (A)

The important distinction is whether the person is taken into custody or not. An arrest means physically detaining someone based on probable cause and typically involves booking, processing, and holding the person in custody. A citation, on the other hand, is a notice to appear in court that lets the person remain at liberty without immediate custody or booking; the court date is set for later. Citations are used when the officer believes the person can safely be released and simply needs to appear in court for the alleged offense, often for less serious violations. The other statements don’t fit because an arrest isn’t a type of citation, and a citation does not require immediate custody or booking.