Which circumstance allows for a warrantless arrest for a felony?

A warrantless arrest for a felony can occur under specific circumstances that allow law enforcement to act quickly to prevent flight or further criminal activity. The situation that encompasses making an arrest in a public place, especially during hot pursuit, allows officers to apprehend a suspect without a warrant. This principle is grounded in the need to respond rapidly to ongoing criminal behavior or to prevent immediate harm.

Hot pursuit refers to the situation where law enforcement is chasing a suspect who has committed a felony, enabling them to enter public or even private spaces to apprehend the individual without a warrant. Additionally, a search incident to a lawful arrest is valid, allowing the police to search the individual and any immediate surroundings for weapons or evidence without needing a warrant, as long as the arrest is lawful in its own right.

Other options involve scenarios that do not meet the requirements for a warrantless felony arrest. Home visits without consent typically require a warrant, while routine traffic stops may not justify arresting someone for a felony without further evidence or circumstances. The presence of a witness, while potentially valuable, does not automatically grant the authority to arrest without a warrant unless additional criteria are met.