A citizen may arrest an offender without a warrant if the offense is committed within their view and is a _____ according to the Code of Criminal Procedure.

A citizen has the authority to make an arrest without a warrant when they observe a felony being committed. According to the Code of Criminal Procedure, this provision allows for immediate action in situations where a serious crime is taking place, reflecting the urgency and potential threat to public safety associated with felonies. The rationale behind this is that felonies are considered more severe offenses, often involving greater harm or risk to individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, the law provides citizens the means to intervene directly when they witness such serious crimes, ensuring prompt response and protection of the community.

Misdemeanors, violations, and infractions do not carry the same level of severity, and the law does not generally permit citizens to arrest individuals for these offenses without a warrant. This distinction reinforces the understanding that while all crimes have consequences, the immediate need for intervention is most critical in the case of felonies.