Collier County Criminal Attorney Basic Practice Guide on Probable Cause
Attorney Practice Guide on Basic Understanding of Probable Cause
Even attorneys right out of law school should know that probable cause is defined as that quantity off facts and circumstances within a police officer's knowledge that would warrant a reasonable person to conclude that an individual has committed a crime (in the case of an arrest) or that specific items related to criminal activity will be found at the particular place (in the case of a search). The information may include reasonably trustworthy hearsay as well as the officer's own personal observations.
An adequate showing of probable cause requires specific and concrete facts, not merely conclusory speculations. On a scale of probability, probable cause is something more than just a hunch or suspicion, but considerably less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Of course it would strengthen the probable-cause presentation if eyewitnesses could testify that they saw the defendant commit the crime, or where evidence of a crime may be hidden, however, nothing in our Constitution requires that the facts be established with that degree of certainty. When weighing the adequacy of cause in a given case, courts focus on the source of the information in the possession of the police as well as the conclusions that may be reasonably drawn from it.
Collier County criminal attorneys, like all Florida criminal lawyers have different skills and ability. Always become familiar with the marketing and practice of Collier County criminal defense before choosing to hire representation.
