What characterizes a non-custodial interview?

A non-custodial interview is characterized by the suspect's ability to leave at any time, indicating that the individual is not under formal arrest or in custody. This context allows for a more voluntary interaction where the suspect is not being compelled to stay or answer questions under the threat of arrest, which aligns with the legal definitions surrounding custodial vs. non-custodial situations.

In contrast, the other options pertain to certain rights and conditions that apply to custodial settings. For instance, formally charging someone with a crime typically necessitates a more formal custodial environment, which is not the case in a non-custodial scenario. The location of the interview—such as being in a police station—does not necessarily dictate whether it is custodial. Lastly, Miranda rights are required to be read only when the individual is in custody and subject to interrogation, which does not apply in a non-custodial context where the suspect is free to leave. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of interactions between law enforcement and suspects.