Bradley Henderson leads the criminal defense team at Stone River Law, representing clients statewide in a range of criminal matters, with a focus on strategic defense and client advocacy.
Posted by Stone River’s Criminal Defense Team
Last Updated
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 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.