What is a warrantless arrest?

A warrantless arrest refers to the legal restraint of an individual by law enforcement without the necessity of a warrant. This typically occurs under specific circumstances defined by law, such as when an officer has probable cause to believe that someone is committing a crime or has committed one, or in exigent situations where obtaining a warrant might lead to the destruction of evidence or risk to public safety.

This type of arrest is permitted to allow officers to act quickly and effectively to prevent crime or to protect individuals who may be in danger. The authority for warrantless arrests is rooted in both statutory and case law, which provide guidelines on when such actions are legally permissible.