What must you have for exigent searches?

• A. Probable cause
• B. Probable cause and belief that evidence is located in the area to be searched
• C. Written consent
• D. Open field doctrine

Answer: (B)

Exigent searches hinge on acting without a warrant when immediate action is necessary to prevent harm or the loss of evidence. The essential requirement is having probable cause to believe that evidence is located in the area to be searched, and that the situation creates exigency—such as the imminent destruction of evidence or a threat to safety. When those elements are present, a warrant is not required because waiting could frustrate the purpose of the search.

That’s why the best answer is the one that combines probable cause with the belief that evidence is in the area to be searched. Probable cause alone isn’t enough without the urgent circumstances, and written consent or the open field doctrine pertain to different legal scenarios and aren’t the requisites for an exigent search.