Under what condition can a private citizen typically make a felony arrest?

• A. The felony has been committed in his/her presence
• B. The felony has been committed in a private residence
• C. The suspect is a minor
• D. The citizen has broad authority in all jurisdictions

Answer: (A)

Private citizens are allowed to arrest someone for a felony when they themselves witness the crime being committed. This presence rule gives the arrest a clear, firsthand basis and allows immediate action to stop the crime and prevent the suspect’s escape. The other options don’t fit because the location (private residence), the suspect’s age, or universal, broad authority across all jurisdictions are not the defining conditions for a private citizen’s felony arrest. Jurisdictional rules vary, but the typical, widely accepted condition is witnessing the felony as it happens.