What constitutes probable cause for an arrest?

• A. A hunch or unverified suspicion alone.
• B. Reasonable grounds based on facts or circumstances that a person has committed a crime.
• C. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• D. A formal accusation by a grand jury.

Answer: (B)

Probable cause for an arrest means having reasonable grounds based on facts or circumstances that a person has committed a crime. This standard sits between a mere hunch and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, requiring information available to the officer at the moment of the arrest and evaluated from a reasonable, prudent perspective. It can come from direct observations, reliable tips that are corroborated, or physical evidence that, when combined, points to criminal activity. It’s not enough to rely on unverified suspicions, since officers must base detention on objective information. This standard is distinct from the proof required to convict someone, which is beyond a reasonable doubt. And while an indictment by a grand jury may charge someone later, an arrest can be made with probable cause without a grand jury indictment.