Which of the following situations does not justify an arrest without a warrant?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following situations does not justify an arrest without a warrant?

Arrest without a warrant hinges on probable cause built from direct observation or strong corroborating facts. A tip from a credible person about a red-light violation is not enough by itself to establish probable cause to arrest. The officer would need to verify the report—either observe the driver or obtain additional, reliable evidence—before treating the driver as someone to be taken into custody. In contrast, watching the crime as it happens or catching the person in the act clearly provides immediate probable cause for an arrest. Similarly, having probable cause to believe the person has committed a crime justifies a warrantless arrest. So the scenario relying solely on secondhand information does not justify an arrest without a warrant, whereas the others do.

Arrest without a warrant hinges on probable cause built from direct observation or strong corroborating facts. A tip from a credible person about a red-light violation is not enough by itself to establish probable cause to arrest. The officer would need to verify the report—either observe the driver or obtain additional, reliable evidence—before treating the driver as someone to be taken into custody. In contrast, watching the crime as it happens or catching the person in the act clearly provides immediate probable cause for an arrest. Similarly, having probable cause to believe the person has committed a crime justifies a warrantless arrest. So the scenario relying solely on secondhand information does not justify an arrest without a warrant, whereas the others do.

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