Which factor justifies warrantless arrest for a felony?

Which factor justifies warrantless arrest for a felony?

• A. There is probable cause to believe a misdemeanor occurred.
• B. There is probable cause to believe a felony occurred.
• C. There is consent from the person.
• D. There is a written warrant.

Answer: (B)

The key factor is having probable cause to believe a felony has occurred. When an officer has reasonable grounds to think a person committed a felony, they may arrest without a warrant because felonies are more serious and require timely apprehension to prevent flight, danger, or further harm. Consent from the person does not by itself create warrantless authority, and a written warrant would defeat the “without a warrant” aspect. For misdemeanors, warrantless arrests are generally limited to when the offense is occurring in the officer’s presence or under other specific exceptions, which is why the felony scenario hinges on probable cause to believe a felony occurred.

The key factor is having probable cause to believe a felony has occurred. When an officer has reasonable grounds to think a person committed a felony, they may arrest without a warrant because felonies are more serious and require timely apprehension to prevent flight, danger, or further harm. Consent from the person does not by itself create warrantless authority, and a written warrant would defeat the “without a warrant” aspect. For misdemeanors, warrantless arrests are generally limited to when the offense is occurring in the officer’s presence or under other specific exceptions, which is why the felony scenario hinges on probable cause to believe a felony occurred.