What constitutes probable cause for an arrest?

• A. A police officer's hunch.
• B. Facts and circumstances would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime has been committed and the suspect is the actor.
• C. Preponderance of evidence.
• D. Beyond a reasonable doubt.

Answer: (B)

Probable cause for an arrest means the facts and circumstances within the officer’s knowledge at the time would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been, or is being, committed and that the person before them is the actor. It’s an objective standard, not based on the officer’s personal hunch, and it sits between mere suspicion and proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard can be met by a combination of observations, information from reliable sources, and corroborating circumstances evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer under the same conditions. It’s not required to prove every element of the crime, just enough to support a fair belief that the person committed it. By contrast, beyond a reasonable doubt is used to convict at trial, and preponderance of the evidence is a civil standard, both of which are stronger or different than the level needed for an arrest.