Detention

Detention is the act of confining, holding in custody or enforcing the delay of a person. Investigative detention is the holding of a suspect without a formal arrest while his or her involvement in a crime is investigated. Pretrial detention (temporary detention) is the holding of a defendant before trial either because he or she could not post bail or release has been denied. Preventative detention is the confinement of a defendant who poses some risk of harm, has threatened to escape or who has otherwise violated the law prior to trial.