Detained or arrested in NC? Understand your rights and legal procedures.The officer must inform the person arrested that the warrant has been issued and serve the warrant upon him as soon as possible. A private person may detain another person when he has probable cause to believe that the person detained has committed in his presence. For all criminal arrests and all in-custody traffic arrests, the arresting officer will complete an Arrest Report, along with any other associated reports. Know what to expect if you're arrested for the first time in North Carolina. The initial period of being held in a local police station or county jail typically ends within 76 hours (three days), due to laws in nearly every state. A qualified lawyer can help you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize the chance that you get in and get out quickly. Upon the arrest of a person, with or without a warrant, but not necessarily in the order hereinafter listed, a law‑enforcement officer: (1). The person may be detained in such area until the initial appearance before a judicial official pursuant to G.S. 15A-511 and G.S. 15A-534.5.