Can an officer make an arrest without witnessing a crime?

In Utah, police need probable cause to make an arrest. This means they must have facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime was committed. While witnessing a crime often provides probable cause, it can also come from eyewitnesses, physical evidence, confessions, or documents. Officers can also…
attorney meeting with client at desk

In Utah, police need probable cause to make an arrest. This means they must have facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime was committed. While witnessing a crime often provides probable cause, it can also come from eyewitnesses, physical evidence, confessions, or documents.

Officers can also arrest you if there’s an active warrant, which requires the same probable cause.

When interacting with police, it’s best to speak as little as possible. If officers are questioning you, they likely suspect you of a crime but haven’t yet gathered enough evidence to arrest you. The less you say, the less likely you are to accidentally incriminate yourself.

If you’re a suspect or have been contacted for a police interview, consult a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the situation.

Originally Published: November 19, 2023

How can we help you?

Call us at 801-448-7451, or use this contact form.

    Related Articles

    Navigating the Arraignment in Utah
    For most misdemeanor criminal charges, the arraignment hearing is the first time you will appear in court for the case. Whether you have already...
    December 19, 2024
    Davis County Justice Court
    The Davis County Justice Court handles class B and C misdemeanor charges. Felony and class A misdemeanor charges are filed in district court. In...
    December 19, 2024
    Reducing a Felony Conviction in Utah: 402 Reductions
    If you’ve been convicted of a felony in Utah, you may have the chance to reduce it to a misdemeanor through a process set out in Utah Code section...
    December 19, 2024

    Ready to explore our other articles?