Probable cause to search exists when what is present?

Probable cause to search exists when what is present?

• A. A hunch
• B. Known facts and circumstances sufficient to warrant a prudent belief that contraband or evidence will be found
• C. A signed warrant
• D. An eyewitness statement alone

Answer: (B)

Probable cause to search exists when there are known facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence or contraband is present in the place to be searched. This判断 comes from the totality of the circumstances and requires more than a mere hunch; it stops short of certainty, but it must be grounded in something reliable that can be articulable and assessed. A signed warrant is not the standard for existence of probable cause itself—it's the formal authorization that follows when probable cause has already been shown. Eyewitness statements can contribute to probable cause, but on their own they are often not enough unless they are credible and corroborated.

Probable cause to search exists when there are known facts and circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to believe that evidence or contraband is present in the place to be searched. This判断 comes from the totality of the circumstances and requires more than a mere hunch; it stops short of certainty, but it must be grounded in something reliable that can be articulable and assessed. A signed warrant is not the standard for existence of probable cause itself—it's the formal authorization that follows when probable cause has already been shown. Eyewitness statements can contribute to probable cause, but on their own they are often not enough unless they are credible and corroborated.