In misdemeanor arrests, when is a warrant generally not required?

In the context of misdemeanor arrests, a warrant is generally not required when the crime was committed in the presence of an officer. This principle stems from the legal understanding that law enforcement officers have the authority to make arrests for offenses they directly observe. This allows officers to act immediately to uphold the law and keep order, as witnessing a crime firsthand provides them with probable cause to arrest an individual without needing to obtain a warrant.

In situations where an officer sees a misdemeanor being committed, the immediate response is crucial for maintaining public safety and preventing further illegal actions. This is distinct from other scenarios, such as making an arrest based on prior knowledge or evidence obtained later, which typically necessitate a warrant to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected.