What is the primary difference between a citation and an arrest?

The primary difference between a citation and an arrest revolves around the severity of the offense. A citation typically addresses minor offenses, such as traffic violations or misdemeanors, where the individual can often resolve the issue through a financial penalty or by attending a court hearing. These offenses do not usually require the individual to be physically detained.

In contrast, an arrest is made for more serious offenses, typically felonies or significant misdemeanors, where law enforcement believes there is enough evidence to detain the individual for a potential court case. Arrests imply a higher level of wrongdoing, where the individual is taken into custody, processed, and formally charged.

While it's true that citations allow for the possibility of avoiding a court appearance without arrest, and they can also impose financial penalties, these aspects do not delineate the fundamental distinction as clearly as the nature and severity of the offenses involved.