Once suspects are arrested in France, they can be held in police custody for up to 24 hours, which can be extended to 48 hours with authorization from a prosecutor. For serious crimes, a judge of liberties and detention can extend this period to a maximum of 96 hours. During this time, they are questioned by law enforcement. After this period, the prosecutor can decide to either release the suspects without charges, place them under judicial supervision (like bail with conditions), or, if there is sufficient evidence, refer the case to an investigating judge. The investigating judge then conducts a deeper investigation and can eventually issue formal charges (mise en examen). The case then proceeds through the court system, which can take months or even years before a trial. Suspects have the right to a lawyer from the start of police custody.
