How is probable cause defined?

Probable cause is defined as the belief that a crime has been committed based on the overall circumstances surrounding a situation. This legal standard is crucial in law enforcement as it provides the necessary justification for various actions, such as searches, arrests, or seizures. The essence of probable cause lies in the reasonable belief formed by an officer based on factual evidence, observations, and the totality of the circumstances they observe. This belief must be more than a mere suspicion; it must be an objective assessment that crime is likely to have occurred or that evidence of a crime can be found in a particular location.

Understanding this definition emphasizes that probable cause represents a middle ground between mere hunches or unsubstantiated suspicions and the higher standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, which is used in criminal convictions.