Arrest Without A Warrant

 When can the Police Make an Arrest?

Assume you are walking down Main Street when, suddenly, you are compelled to pick up a rock and throw it through a shopkeeper’s window. Unbeknownst to you, the sound of shattering glass wakes Chief Wiggum who, coincidentally, had fallen asleep in his police car. Unfortunately, you will now be spending the remainder of the evening wearing a pair of non-fuzzy handcuffs at the police department.

A Police Officer may arrest you without an arrest warrant for a misdemeanor or violation level offense if the officer has probable cause to believe that you have committed a misdemeanor or violation level offense the officer’s presence.

A Police Officer may make an arrest for a crime of Domestic Violence without a warrant if he has probable cause to believe the person to be arrested has committed a crime of abuse within the past 12 hours.

A Police Officer may arrest you without a warrant if he has probable cause to believe you committed a misdemeanor or violation level offense and, if you are not immediately arrested, you may destroy or conceal evidence, cause further personal injury or property damage.

Lastly, a Police Officer does not need to obtain an Arrest Warrant if he/she has a reasonable basis to believe you have committed a felony.