Suspect is a noun that means someone who is suspected of doing something bad, like being guilty of an accident or theft. It can also mean a person who is suspected of having certain characteristics, as in, “The bad-smelling fish was suspect.” If you are suspected of something, it implies that others believe you are responsible for the event or action in question.

The police need to have a good description of criminal suspects in order to quickly apprehend them, so it is important to observe as many identifying features as possible. Especially note if the suspect was carrying a weapon and the type of weapon (revolver, handgun, shotgun, etc.).

A suspect may be interrogated by the police, so it is important to read their Miranda Rights before they answer questions. Once the suspect receives a formal charge, by either a prosecutor laying an information or a grand jury issuing a true bill or indictment, or a judge granting an arrest warrant, they are then considered a defendant and are entitled to all constitutional protections.