"Criminal Minds" Season 12 has recently introduced a shocking twist for one of the CBS drama's well loved characters - Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). While Reid has yet to prove his innocence, many fans began wondering how long Reid's arc will last in the show. Will he be in prison for a long time?

This article contains spoilers. Continue reading if you wish to learn more about the story.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 spoilers note on the possibility that Spencer Reid will stay in jail for a long time. As most fans can recall, Reid's titular episode on the CBS drama showed him get arrested for being a murder suspect.

While Reid is out to prove his innocence in the upcoming "Criminal Minds" Season 12 episodes, it seems like this arc will last for the entire season. Spoilers from Carter Matt reveal that Reid will have to adjust to his life in prison in episode 15 titled, "Alpha Male."

FBI's BAU is unable to provide Reid with legal help, as his transaction with the victim is not a legal one. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 spoilers reveal that Reid's predicament will go on at least until the end of this season.

As Cinema Blend notes, an earlier interview with showrunner Erica Messer reveals that this big arc will go on for the remaining episodes of "Criminal Minds" Season 12. According to Messer, the show is going after serialized stories and Reid's arc appears to be the beginning of this major change.

"But we have people who want to be with our characters as much as possible," she explained. "And they're going to have the opportunity to be with them on a journey they've never been on before."

How long do you think should Reid stay in jail in "Criminal Minds" Season 12? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!