Can a person be arrested without being charged?

Answer 1

It's unclear as to what "rights" you are referring to. If you're referring to being "read your rights" (Miranda Warning), the courts have ruled that being arrested for certain low class misdemeanor offenses does not necessarily REQUIRE that your 'rights' be read to you (i.e- public intoxication/drunk - disorderly conduct- traffic arrests - minor municipal offenses - etc). On the other hand, if you were arrested and charged with a felony crime you should have been given the 'Miranda Warning' or you might have an affirmative defense against any statements you may have made. If you were asking about other "rights" that you think you may have after arrest, please be more specific.

Answer 2

yes, you can be arrested for being a suspect or a small crime. But you dont have to be arrested to be charged.

Added: The question is somehwat incomplete and therefore unclear.

You can be arrested for an offense, but if subsequent investigation at the scene reveals that it was not you who committed or aided in the crime you can be released prior to being formally charged. Usually this will involve merely that a release form be executed by the agency which arrested you. No record of the arrest (booking) will be recorded.

ALSO: You can also be arrested and booked and the case presented to the prosecutor's office for prosecution. The Prosecutor reviewing the case has the option (at their discretion) of issuing a Nolle Prossequi (i.e.: decline to prosecute) in the case which will have the effect of nullifying the police case against you before you are ever formally charged in court. In an instance such as this the record of your arrest WILL be recorded.

Answer 3

Sure. Being arrested and being read your rights are not really related. You will normally not be read your rights until and unless you are being detained and questioned.