In what scenario can a law enforcement officer make an arrest without a warrant?

A law enforcement officer can make an arrest without a warrant when they witness a misdemeanor being committed or if the misdemeanor has just been committed. This standard is grounded in the concept of "fresh pursuit," where the officer is able to act immediately upon observing an offense. The rationale behind this provision is to allow officers to maintain public order and prevent further criminal activity without the delay that would come from obtaining a warrant. It is a crucial aspect of law enforcement that provides them with the authority to respond swiftly to offenses, particularly those that are occurring in real-time or have just occurred, ensuring that offenders can be apprehended before they have the opportunity to evade justice.

The other scenarios presented do not align with the general legal principles regarding warrantless arrests; for instance, making an arrest solely based on an officer's discretion does not meet the stringent requirements outlined in law.