What is the basis for making a warrantless arrest?

The basis for making a warrantless arrest is founded on probable cause of a serious crime or misdemeanor. Probable cause means that law enforcement officers have a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a person has committed or is about to commit a crime. This standard is a critical element in allowing officers to take immediate action without obtaining a warrant, which can often require additional time and bureaucratic processes.

When it comes to serious crimes, the law allows for more flexibility in making arrests without a warrant. For misdemeanors, officers still need probable cause to believe that the individual has committed the offense. This principle is crucial in law enforcement as it strikes a balance between maintaining order and respecting individuals' rights.

The other options narrow the scope of warrantless arrests unnecessarily. Suggesting those arrests are limited only to felonies does not reflect the full authority officers have when there is probable cause for misdemeanors as well. Limiting warrantless arrests to DUI offenses ignores the broad range of offenses that may justify such actions. Lastly, while witnessing a crime being committed can justify a warrantless arrest, it is not the sole criterion; probable cause encompasses a broader context, including actions leading up to a crime that an officer may not have witnessed directly.