A private citizen may usually make a felony arrest if?

• A. The felony was committed in his/her presence
• B. The felony has been committed in his/her presence
• C. The suspect is in a private residence
• D. The offense is a misdemeanor

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a private citizen may arrest someone for a felony only when the crime is witnessed by the citizen, i.e., the felony has been committed in the citizen’s presence. This firsthand knowledge provides a legal basis for the arrest without a warrant and helps ensure the arrest is based on observable fact rather than rumor. Because the citizen saw the crime happen, they can detain the suspect to await law enforcement.

If the felony was not committed in the citizen’s presence, a private arrest for a felony generally isn’t justified just on suspicion. Merely knowing the suspect committed a crime from afar, or because the suspect is inside a private residence, does not automatically authorize a citizen’s arrest for a felony. And the option based on a misdemeanor doesn’t fit a question about felonies, since the rules differ for misdemeanors and typically require either presence or a lesser standard, depending on jurisdiction.