Which of the following can be used to establish probable cause?
Asked by: Prof. Saige Marquardt | Last update: June 19, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)
There are four categories into which evidence may fall in establishing probable cause. These include observational, circumstantial, expertise, and information: Observational evidence is based on what the officer sees, smells, or hears.
What can be used to establish probable cause?
Probable cause is established through facts and evidence. Police officers gather information through observations, witness statements, or other reliable sources.
Which of the following describes probable cause?
Regarding the issuance of a warrant for arrest, probable cause is the “information sufficient to warrant a prudent person's belief that the wanted individual had committed a crime (for an arrest warrant) or that evidence of a crime or contraband would be found in a search (for a search warrant)”.
Can hearsay be used to establish probable cause?
Probable cause may be demonstrated by live, sworn testimony or by affidavit. More importantly, an affidavit based on hearsay (which could not be used as evidence in a criminal trial) can be used as the basis for issuing a search warrant, so long as the circumstances in their totality establish probable cause.
What is a probable cause quizlet?
Define probable cause. Probably cause is a reasonable belief grounded on facts. A reasonable ground to suspect that a person has committed or is committing a crime or that a place contains specific items connected with a crime. Probable cause must be shown before an arrest warrant or search warrant may be issued.
The Fourth Amendment: The Requirement of Probable Cause
What are the factors used to determine probable cause?
Courts usually find probable cause when there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed (for an arrest) or when evidence of the crime is present in the place to be searched (for a search ). Under exigent circumstances , probable cause can also justify a warrantless search or seizure .
What is a probable cause of issue?
Probable Cause is the legal basis that police must meet to make an arrest, perform a search, or obtain a warrant. It requires reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed. They cannot just take action based on suspicion. The probable cause helps protect citizens against arbitrary searches and seizures.
What is an example of probable cause statement?
“This affidavit establishes probable cause to believe evidence of controlled substance distribution, in violation of 21 USC 841(a)(1)&(b), will be found at the residence located at 1234 Main Street, Anytown, State” or “there is probable cause to believe James Blow committed the offense of controlled substance ...
Is word of mouth a probable cause?
This standard can indeed be met merely by “word of mouth” if the source of the evidence is trustworthy, reliable, and provides sufficient detail to surpass the standard of “probable cause”.
What are the four major sources that may provide probable cause?
There are four categories into which evidence may fall in establishing probable cause. These include observational, circumstantial, expertise, and information: Observational evidence is based on what the officer sees, smells, or hears.
What can probable cause be established based solely upon?
Probable cause is a higher standard than “reasonable suspicion” and requires more concrete evidence that a crime has been committed. The officer's belief must be more than a guess and be based on specific, articulable facts that make it more likely than not that a crime has occurred and evidence will be found.
What is a notice of probable cause?
And again, probable cause to search means evidence that would lead a person of reasonable caution to believe that evidence of a crime will be located in a particular place to be searched.
What is an example of probable cause in real life?
- Observing using the senses to detect signs of criminal activity.
- Using an expert to spot when a person is guilty of a crime.
- Getting information about possible criminal activity from an informant.
Is a victim statement probable cause?
So the victim's statement is one piece of evidence that will be considered in determining whether there is enough evidence, or probable cause, for law enforcement to make an arrest of the offender.
What is preponderance of evidence?
A “preponderance of the evidence” means an amount of evidence that is enough to persuade you that the [State/Defendant]'s claim is more likely true than not true.
Which of the following is not a legitimate source of probable cause?
Among the options given, reasonable suspicion is not considered a legitimate source of probable cause. Reasonable suspicion involves a belief that a person may be involved in criminal activity based on specific and articulable facts.
What is defined as probable cause?
Probable cause can only exist where there are facts that would lead a reasonable person to conclude that a crime has occurred. It does not have to lead to certainty that a crime occurred, but to a strong inference that a crime probably occurred.
Can word-of-mouth be used as evidence?
Yes, you can be arrested based on what someone says. They will need an eyewitness to be able to prove this at trial, but no physical evidence is legally required (though it would help them).
Is hearsay enough for probable cause?
Establishing Probable Cause
An officer may establish probable cause with witness statements and other evidence, including hearsay evidence that would not be admissible at trial. An officer's suspicion or belief, by itself, is not sufficient to establish probable cause. Aguilar v. Texas, 378 U.S. 108, 114-15 (1964).
Is an allegation a probable cause?
Accusations are just that, accusations. It isn't probable cause. Probable cause is a level of reasonable belief, based on facts that can be articulated, that is required to arrest and prosecute a person in criminal court.
What does a probable cause affidavit look like?
An affidavit contains a chronological summary of the facts that establish probable cause. An affidavit is not as complete as a police report and only has the essential details to establish probable cause. The completed affidavit is submitted to a judge and they determine if probable cause exists.
How long can you be held on probable cause?
Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you.
How many ways are there to establish probable cause?
Probable Cause Basics
Law enforcement can establish probable cause through live, sworn testimony or by a detailed affidavit describing why a warrant is necessary.
How to write a probable cause statement?
Writing a probable cause affidavit requires clarity and meticulousness. It should include date, time, location of incidents, involved officers, detailed description of the event, references to evidence, and witness statements. The affidavit should also state the degree of offense and relevant penal code.
What is an example of a lack of probable cause?
One instance where a lack of Probable Cause may arise is in prosecutions for Driving Under the Influence pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 23152(a) VC and California Vehicle Code Section 23152(b) VC. Law enforcement is always on heightened alert for impaired drivers, especially at certain times and locations.