Why they can be imprisoned for 15 days: a complete list of violations under the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation in

Administrative arrest for 15 days is one of the most severe punishments under Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO RF). It is used for particularly gross offenses that do not amount to criminal liability, but pose a serious public danger. Unlike fines or compulsory labor, arrest involves real imprisonment - albeit for a short period.

Many people mistakenly believe that 15 days is the “maximum” for any violation. In fact, arrest is applied only under 20 articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses, and in most cases it can be replaced with a fine or correctional labor. However, there are violations where arrest becomes mandatory measure — for example, in case of repeated violation of the rules of rallies or failure to comply with police requirements in emergency situations.

In this article we will look at:

• 📜 Full list of articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses, according to which they can be imprisoned for 15 days
• 🚨 Typical situationswhen arrest is imminent
• ⚖️ How to appeal arrest warrant
• 💡 What should relatives do?if the person has already been arrested

1. Articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, providing for arrest for 15 days

According to Art. 3.9 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, administrative arrest is assigned only in exceptional cases. The maximum period is 30 days, but most often 10-15 days are used. Here are the key articles that provide for arrest for 15 days:

Article of the Administrative Code	Violation	When to use arrest
20.2 h. 5	Violation of the rules for holding rallies	Repeated violation within 180 days
20.2.2 part 5	Organization of mass stay of citizens in public places in violation of sanitary rules	During an emergency or pandemic
19.3 part 1	Failure to comply with the lawful demands of a police officer	In case of resistance or threat of violence
20.25 h. 1	Evasion from serving an administrative sentence	In case of non-payment of a fine or absence from compulsory work
12.26 p.2	Refusal of medical examination for intoxication	For drivers if there are signs of intoxication

Arrest is especially often used for Art. 20.2 (rallies) and Art. 19.3 (disobedience to police). For example, if a person has already been fined for participating in an unapproved rally, and a month later he goes to a rally again, he can be arrested for 15 days.

2. Why people are most often jailed for 15 days: top 5 situations

In practice, most arrests occur under five main scenarios:

• 🚔 Disobeying the police — if a person refuses to present documents, resists arrest or insults employees
• 📢 Illegal rallies — participation in uncoordinated actions, especially with repeated violations
• 🚗 Refusal of medical examination — when a driver with signs of intoxication refuses to blow into a breathalyzer
• 🏠 Quarantine violation — during a pandemic or emergency (for example, returning from abroad without self-isolation)
• 💰 Evading fines - if a person does not pay fines and ignores bailiffs

For example, in 2020-2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, arrest for 15 days became a standard measure for those who violated the self-isolation regime after returning from abroad. Hundreds of people were arrested for going out without a mask or visiting public places during the lockdown.

3. How does administrative arrest work: what is possible and what is not?

The arrest is being served in special receivers (Pre-trial detention center for administrative offenders). The conditions there are stricter than in a regular colony, but there are rules:

• ✅ You can: receive packages (once every 3 days), call relatives (once a day), write complaints
• ❌ You can't: use the telephone, smoke in undesignated areas, refuse to work
• ⚠️ Caution: any violation of the regime may prolong the arrest or lead to a fine

Important: if you have chronic diseases, be sure to inform us about this upon admission. By law, the administration must provide medical care. However, in practice, you often have to insist on your rights.

⚠️ Attention: If you are arrested, you are entitled to one telephone call within the first 24 hours. Use it to inform relatives and arrange for a lawyer. Without legal assistance, the chances of appealing the arrest are minimal.

4. Is it possible to avoid arrest: legal methods

Yes, even if you have already been detained, there are chances to avoid arrest. Here's what you can do:

1. Appeal the protocol - within 10 days from the date of preparation
2. Provide evidence - videos, witnesses, medical certificates
3. Apply for a change of sentence - to a fine or compulsory work
4. Refer to benefits — pregnancy, disability, presence of minor children

For example, if you were arrested for refusing a medical examination, but you have a certificate stating that you could not blow into a pipe for medical reasons (asthma, lung injury), the court may overturn the arrest.

Request an arrest report|Fix all police actions on video|Do not sign blank forms|Call a lawyer immediately-->

5. What should relatives do if a person has been arrested?

If your loved one was arrested for 15 days, follow the algorithm:

1. Find out where it is - call the police station or check on the website FSIN
2. Contact a lawyer - he will help you appeal the decision
3. Give the necessary things - clothes, medicines, hygiene items
4. Control the conditions of detention — if there are complaints about bullying, write to the prosecutor’s office

Important: transfers are accepted only on certain days (usually Tuesdays and Fridays). Check the schedule in the receiver. You can also send a money transfer to the personal account of the arrested person - this will allow him to buy food in the store.

⚠️ Attention: If the arrested person is sick with COVID-19 or other infectious disease, the administration is obliged to provide him with a separate cell and medical supervision. If you refuse, complain to Rospotrebnadzor.

6. Consequences of administrative arrest

Even after serving an arrest, a person faces restrictions:

• 📄 Employment problems — employers often check administrative history
• 🚗 Deprivation of rights - if the arrest was for a traffic violation (for example, refusal of examination)
• 🌍 Problems with traveling abroad - in case of repeated arrests, they may be prohibited from leaving
• 💼 Restrictions for civil servants - arrest may result in dismissal

In addition, a second arrest within a year is almost guaranteed to result in increased penalties. For example, if you have already been imprisoned for a rally, next time you may be given not 15, but 30 days.

7. Frequently asked questions about administrative arrest

Can they be jailed for 15 days for debt?

No, arrest is not used for debts on loans or utility payments. However, if you avoid paying administrative fine (for example, for violating traffic rules), the court may replace the fine with arrest for up to 15 days.

Is it possible to serve arrest on weekends?

No, administrative arrest is served continuously, including weekends and holidays. The only exception is that if your arrest period ends on a weekend, you will be released on the next working day.

What happens if you violate the mode in the receiver?

For violating the rules (fighting, smoking in the wrong place, refusing to work) they may:

• Extend arrest for up to 5 days
• Transfer to punishment cell
• Deprive of visits and transfers

Is it possible to replace an arrest with a fine after a decision has been issued?

Yes, but only through an appeal. If the court has already issued an arrest order, it can be appealed to a higher court within 10 days. In this case, you must provide compelling reasons (for example, medical contraindications or the presence of young children).

What to do if an innocent person is arrested?

Immediately file a complaint with the prosecutor's office and a higher court. In your complaint please indicate:

• Facts of the case
• Violations of detention procedures
• Testimony or video

If the arrest is found to be illegal, you can claim compensation for moral damages.

Administrative arrest is not a sentence, but a temporary measure. Even if you have already been imprisoned, there is always a chance to appeal the decision or reduce the punishment. The main thing is to act quickly and competently, using all legal means of protection.