What defines an arrest?

An arrest is fundamentally defined by the intent to take a person into custody. This intent reflects the legal authority and purpose behind the action, signaling that law enforcement officials have decided to deprive an individual of their freedom in relation to a specific offense. In legal terms, this intent is vital because it establishes the basis for the subsequent actions taken, whether or not those actions are accompanied by a physical act.

While the physical act of holding a suspect does occur during an arrest, it is the intent that gives the action legal weight and context. Simply issuing a warrant for arrest is a procedural step that allows law enforcement to take an individual into custody but does not itself constitute an arrest. Additionally, reading rights to a suspect, while an important part of the arrest process that ensures compliance with legal standards, is not what defines the arrest itself. Thus, the correct choice focuses on the critical element of intent, which is essential for categorizing an action as an arrest.