LawMeaning

Probable Cause

Also known as: Reasonable Grounds

In one sentence

Reasonable grounds to believe a person committed a crime or evidence exists.

Plain English

Probable cause is the legal standard that allows police to arrest someone or get a search warrant. It means a reasonable person would believe, based on the facts available, that a crime has been committed and that a particular person did it (or that evidence is in a specific location). It's more than just a hunch but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt—it's the "probable" middle ground.

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Example

A police officer sees someone running from a store with a bag of merchandise while an alarm sounds. The officer has probable cause to believe the person committed shoplifting and can make an arrest without waiting for a judge's permission.

Used in a sentence

“The detective established probable cause by presenting the judge with witness statements and physical evidence linking the suspect to the burglary.”

Related terms

Search Warrant
A court order allowing police to search a specific place for evidence.
Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
false arrest
An unlawful arrest made without proper legal authority, probable cause, or a valid warrant.
Arrest
The act of taking someone into police custody based on probable cause.
adjudication hearing
A court proceeding where a judge hears evidence and makes a formal decision about a legal matter.
Stand Your Ground
A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.
Castle Doctrine
A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.
Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.