Permanent seizures with probable cause.

• A. Probable cause that the item or person is engaged in unlawful activity.
• B. Reasonable suspicion is sufficient.
• C. Consent from the subject is required.
• D. No cause is needed if there is a warrant.

Answer: (A)

To justify a permanent seizure, you need probable cause—that is, enough facts and reasonable inferences to lead a reasonable person to believe the item or person is involved in unlawful activity. This standard is higher than reasonable suspicion, which covers only brief detentions, not lasting seizures. Consent can allow seizure if given freely, but it isn’t required when probable cause exists. A warrant is typically used, but it must be supported by probable cause; the idea that no cause is needed with a warrant is incorrect. So the best understanding is that permanent seizures require probable cause that the item or person is engaged in unlawful activity.