What constitutes probable cause to arrest a person?

• A. Facts and circumstances known to the officer would lead a reasonable person to believe the person has committed or is committing a crime, based on reliable information.
• B. A mere hunch or unverified rumor.
• C. The officer's personal impression alone.
• D. An Investigative guess without any evidence.

Answer: (A)

Probable cause to arrest means the officer has facts and circumstances known to them that would lead a reasonable person to believe the person has committed or is committing a crime, based on reliable information. This standard is objective and requires more than a hunch; it can come from a combination of the officer’s observations and information from others, as long as that information is reliable. It sits between mere suspicion and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, allowing lawful arrest and the admissibility of evidence gathered as a result.

Things that do not meet this standard include a mere hunch or unverified rumor, the officer’s personal impression alone, or an investigative guess without evidence. These lack the reliability and factual basis needed to justify an arrest.