Which statement best defines the evidence required for probable cause?

• A. Probable cause requires no evidence beyond rumors.
• B. The amount of evidence for probable cause is evidence that makes a judge believe that someone has committed a crime.
• C. Probable cause is based on a preponderance of the evidence.
• D. Probable cause requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Answer: (B)

Probable cause means a reasonable belief, based on facts and circumstances, that a crime has been committed and that the person involved is connected to it. The best statement captures this by describing evidence that would cause a judge to believe that someone has committed a crime. It isn’t about rumors or unverified hunches, it’s about credible facts presented so a judge can reasonably conclude someone is connected to the offense. It’s not the civil standard of preponderance of the evidence, and it isn’t the far higher standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt used for convictions. The standard is satisfied when the available information would lead a reasonable person (and, in practice, a judge assessing a warrant or probable-cause inquiry) to believe that a crime has occurred and that the person is involved.