What conditions allow for warrantless felony arrests?

Warrantless felony arrests are permissible when law enforcement officers have witnessed the crime, when there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, or when exigent circumstances are present that justify immediate action without a warrant. This aligns with the Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures while also recognizing that certain situations require swift police action to prevent evidence from being destroyed, protect public safety, or ensure that a suspect does not flee.

Witnessing a crime directly provides law enforcement the immediate authority to arrest without a warrant based on their direct observation. Probable cause, which is a reasonable belief based on facts and circumstances, also grants the authority to make an arrest without a warrant. Exigent circumstances further enhance this authority when the delay of obtaining a warrant could jeopardize justice or public safety.

Other options do not fully capture the legal standards or conditions required for warrantless felony arrests. For example, mere suspicion of foul play does not meet the legal threshold for probable cause. A confession alone, while significant, does not always grant arrest powers without additional corroborating evidence or circumstances. Additionally, minor offenses typically fall under different legal standards, often requiring different handling than felonies.