probable cause arrest

What Is Probable Cause and When Can Police Use It Against Me?

August 19, 2015

The issue of probable cause can come up when law enforcement officers decide to make an arrest, conduct a search of private property or when a person is prosecuted for a criminal offense. In the U.S. legal system, the concept of probable cause is based on language found in the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

Essentially, probable cause is used to ensure that people who are arrested and charged with crimes are arrested and charged for a valid reason. In this way, police officers are prevented from making arrests without reason and prosecutors are prevented from pursuing charges without evidence.