What best describes probable cause?

• A. A mere suspicion
• B. A preponderance of evidence
• C. A conviction beyond reasonable doubt
• D. A reasonable belief that a particular person has committed a crime

Answer: (D)

Probable cause means a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances known at the time, that a particular person has committed or is committing a crime. It sits between a mere hunch and proof beyond a reasonable doubt, grounding actions like arrests or searches in a solid, factual basis rather than guesswork. Facts can come from what you observe, information from reliable sources, or a combination that, together, would lead a reasonable person to conclude criminal activity is occurring. This standard protects individual rights by requiring a solid, defensible basis for police action.

Mere suspicion is too weak to justify detaining or arresting someone. A preponderance of the evidence is the civil standard—more likely than not—that applies in civil cases, not in initiating criminal action. A conviction beyond a reasonable doubt is the standard used for determining guilt after a trial, not for deciding whether to arrest or search.