What Constitutes Probable Cause in Pennsylvania Arrests

If you have been arrested in Pennsylvania, understanding the concept of probable cause is crucial. This legal standard, which is one of the most foundational principles in criminal law, determines if law enforcement had enough justification to carry out an arrest. Codified in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, this standard protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and arbitrary arrests. Understanding how probable cause works can help you navigate the legal system and ensure your rights are upheld.

What Is Probable Cause?

In Pennsylvania, before the police can obtain a warrant or arrest someone, they must have probable cause. Probable cause requires reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed or is being committed and that the person being arrested is the culprit. This legal standard relies on facts and circumstances rather than just suspicion or gut feelings.

In Pennsylvania, courts define probable cause as facts sufficient to lead a reasonable, prudent person to believe that a suspect committed a crime. Courts assess probable cause based on the totality of the circumstances, which means they consider all the facts that were available to the officer at the time of the arrest. If an officer discovers evidence after an arrest, that evidence cannot justify the earlier arrest.

It’s crucial to note that probable cause is a higher standard than “reasonable suspicion.” Reasonable suspicion usually applies when the police conduct brief investigatory stops or retain an individual temporarily. This legal threshold requires less evidence than probable cause. However, probable cause is a lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is the standard required at trial to prove a conviction of a crime.

Probable Cause in Pennsylvania Arrests

Police officers require probable cause to carry out an arrest, regardless of whether or not a warrant is involved.

• Arrest with a warrant: To secure a warrant, the police must provide sworn statements that demonstrate facts establishing probable cause to a judge or magistrate. The judge or magistrate then assesses the facts before granting permission for the arrest.
• Warrantless arrests: Police officers are also authorized to make arrests without a warrant if probable cause exists at the time. For instance, if they witness the crime happening or have reliable information connecting an individual to a crime, the police may conduct a warrantless arrest.

As mentioned already, Pennsylvania courts determine the existence of probable cause by evaluating the totality of the circumstances. In other words, the evidence must be compelling enough that a reasonable person would believe the suspect had committed or was committing a crime.

Why Does Probable Cause Matter?

Probable cause is crucial for ensuring your Constitutional rights are protected. It prevents law enforcement from making arbitrary arrests or conducting illegal searches and seizures. If an officer arrests a person without probable cause, that arrest can be contested in court.

If charges are filed, a qualified criminal defense attorney can submit a motion to suppress evidence gathered during an illegal arrest. If the court determines that probable cause did not exist, key evidence may be excluded from the trial. This can significantly influence the outcome of the case. In some cases, charges may be entirely dismissed.

Importance of Evaluating Prospects of Pretrial Motions to file before Trial

A myriad of issues can be presented through an Omnibus Pretrial Motion challenging the Commonwealth’s evidence against you.  For example, probable cause is required to pull a vehicle over for a traffic stop.  Furthermore, reasonable suspicion is required to demand a person to exit a vehicle during a traffic stop to investigate a driver for a suspected crime.  A driver’s consent to search a vehicle may be held to be not voluntary and a result of coercion negating a warrantless search conducted in violation of a person’s right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Law Office of Adam R. Weaver, Esquire has extensive litigation experience presenting Omnibus Pretrial Motions on behalf of Defendants.  Recently, in the case of Commonwealth v. Steidinger, CR-786-2022 (Carbon. Ct. Comm. Pls., June 5, 2024), the Court granted Defendant’s Motion to Suppress a Warrantless Search finding that the finding that, under the totality of the circumstances, the Defendant’s consent to search the vehicle was not voluntary due to (a) the repeated questioning and pressuring by arresting officers to search the vehicle, (b) the argumentative tone of the stop, and (c) the continued detention after completion of the field sobriety tests.

Contact Us for Legal Help

Probable cause is a key protection in Pennsylvania criminal law. Understanding your legal rights and consulting an attorney can help ensure your Constitutional rights are protected.

Our skilled Lehighton & Carbon County criminal attorney at The Law Office of Adam R. Weaver, Esq., can review your case and help protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.