Section 10A. Any person who is discovered by a police officer in the act of violating section seven, eight, nine, twelve, sixteen, seventeen, seventeen A, eighteen or twenty-two, while such officer is lawfully at or within the place where such violation occurred, may be arrested without a warrant by such police officer, and held in custody, in jail or otherwise, until a complaint be made against him for such offense, unless previously admitted to bail, which complaint shall be made as soon as practicable and in any case within twenty-four hours, Sundays and legal holidays excepted.

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Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 271 sec. 10A

  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.