Which scenario is an example of an exigent circumstance justifying a warrantless search?

• A. A hot pursuit of a suspect.
• B. A routine traffic stop with no suspicion.
• C. A search of a parked car with no evidence.
• D. An anonymous tip with no corroboration.

Answer: (A)

Exigent circumstances are urgent situations that justify warrantless action because waiting for a warrant would create a risk to safety, a risk of escape, or the destruction of evidence. In hot pursuit, officers are actively chasing a suspect who could escape at any moment or cause harm if not stopped immediately. That immediacy makes a warrant impractical, so a warrantless search or seizure is permitted to prevent escape or danger.

The other scenarios don’t involve that immediate urgency. A routine traffic stop with no suspicion lacks a compelling reason to bypass a warrant. A search of a parked car with no evidence isn’t urgent and isn’t justified by exigent circumstances. An anonymous tip without corroboration doesn’t provide sufficient immediacy or reliability to justify a warrantless search.