What is the maximum amount of time an intoxicated person may be held?

The maximum amount of time an intoxicated person may be held is typically set at 24 hours. This timeframe is designed to allow law enforcement or detention facilities to ensure the safety of the individual and others while they are sober. Holding an intoxicated person beyond this period could infringe upon their rights and may also create liability concerns for the facility.

The 24-hour limit is established to balance public safety with the need to respect individual liberties. It also aligns with many laws and policies that govern the treatment of intoxicated individuals, which often seek to minimize the potential for abuse or neglect within detention settings.

In many jurisdictions, the intent is to provide time for the individual to recover from their intoxication in a safe environment before they are either released or processed further.