At what age can an individual be arrested?

An individual can be arrested at any age, as long as there is reasonable grounds to believe that they have committed a criminal offense. This means that even minors, including children under the age of 12, can be taken into custody if they are suspected of breaking the law, though specific protocols and considerations apply when dealing with young offenders.

The legal system recognizes that individuals can engage in behaviors that violate the law regardless of their age, thus allowing law enforcement to act when necessary. However, the treatment of individuals under the age of 18 is generally subject to different legal procedures, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

In contrast, other options suggest arbitrary age limits that do not reflect the legal framework governing arrests, resulting in a misconception that only those above a certain age can be held accountable in a criminal context.