North Carolina § 15A-404 - Detention of offenders by private persons.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-404 — Detention of offenders by private persons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15A-404. Detention of offenders by private persons.
No Arrest; Detention Permitted. - No private person may arrest another person except as provided in G.S. 15A-405. A private person may detain another person as provided in this section. When Detention Permitted. - A private person may detain another person when he has probable cause to believe that the person detained has committed in his presence: A felony, A breach of the peace, A crime involving physical injury to another person, or A crime involving theft or destruction of property. Manner of Detention. - The detention must be in a reasonable manner considering the offense involved and the circumstances of the detention. Period of Detention. - The detention may be no longer than the time required for the earliest of the following: The determination that no offense has been committed. Surrender of the person detained to a law-enforcement officer as provided in subsection (e). Surrender to Officer. - A private person who detains another must immediately notify a law-enforcement officer and must, unless he releases the person earlier as required by subsection (d), surrender the person detained to the law-enforcement officer. History (1973, c. 1286, s. 1.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 15A-404
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-404 cover?
Section 15A-404 ("Detention of offenders by private persons.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 15A-404?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-404" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 15A-404 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.