Question from a reader:
A friend of mine has been arrested. It seems that while trying to resolve a family dispute, they attempted to enter a home and were reported to the police and caught. They have had no involvement in any crimes such as violence, theft, or extortion. In such a minor case, I would appreciate it if someone with
experience or knowledge could tell me how long it might take for them to be released.

Considering the Release of an Arrested Acquaintance

Recently, I heard that an acquaintance of mine was arrested. It seems they were caught after being reported to the police while trying to resolve a family dispute. They have stated that they were not involved in any crimes such as violence, theft, or extortion. In such a minor case, I have thought about how long it might take for them to be released.

The Current Situation of Arrests and Legal Background

First, let’s delve into how significant the act of being arrested is. In Japanese law, arrest carries a very serious meaning. Even for minor crimes, the fact of being arrested can have a substantial impact on the individual and those around them. When someone is arrested, the police must send them to the prosecutor within 48 hours. After this transfer, the prosecutor will decide whether to indict the person or release them. If they are indicted, it will lead to subsequent court proceedings; if not, they will be released.

Possibility of Release in Minor Cases

Now, considering the case of the questioner’s acquaintance, since they are not involved in serious crimes like violence or theft, the risk of indictment is relatively low. Of course, depending on the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the investigation may take longer, but generally speaking, in minor cases, there is a high possibility of early release. Recalling a similar case where a friend of mine was arrested, it was also due to a family dispute. In the end, they were released a few hours later. The police likely judged that there was no risk of them engaging in dangerous behavior.

Actual Time Until Release

So, how long does it typically take for someone to be released? This varies from case to case, but in minor cases, it is common to be released within a few hours to a day. Particularly when the reason for arrest is clear and there are no other serious incidents involved, the police tend to process the case more quickly. In my friend’s case, they were arrested on a Friday night but were released by Saturday afternoon. Of course, in their case, being able to hire a lawyer likely contributed significantly to the outcome. With a lawyer involved, the procedures for early resolution proceeded smoothly.

Emotional Care After Release

Emotional care after release is also important. The experience of being arrested can cause significant mental stress, affecting not only the individual but also their family. In such cases, I recommend seeking counseling. From my perspective as someone studying psychology, mental care is a very important aspect. If stress and anxiety persist, it can interfere with daily life. After being released, my friend was mentally down for a while, but gradually improved by receiving counseling. Through that experience, I reaffirmed the importance of prioritizing mental health.

The Importance of Legal Advice

Finally, I want to convey an important point from a legal perspective. When someone is arrested, I strongly recommend consulting a lawyer. Lawyers are legal experts and can provide accurate advice tailored to the situation. Even in minor cases, taking appropriate measures early can minimize the subsequent impact. I work at a judicial scrivener’s office, and I realize daily how crucial it is to have legal knowledge. Especially in family disputes, emotions can complicate rational decision-making. In such times, advice from a third party can be extremely helpful.

Conclusion

Hearing about my acquaintance’s arrest made me reflect on various aspects. The experience of being arrested is shocking for anyone, and even in minor cases, emotional care and legal advice are necessary. The time until release varies by case, but for minor crimes, there is a high likelihood of release within a few hours to a day. I believe the most important thing is to receive support afterward. If you encounter a similar situation around you, I hope you will take appropriate measures without rushing. I believe that mental health and legal knowledge will be a great help in your future life.