Which is an example of an exception to the warrant requirement arising from a lawful arrest?

• A. Search incident to arrest
• B. Consent
• C. Plain view
• D. Open fields

Answer: (A)

A lawful arrest allows a warrantless search of the arrestee and the area within their immediate control to protect officer safety and prevent evidence from being destroyed. This is the search incident to arrest exception, created to quickly check for weapons and secure the scene right after an arrest.

From the moment the arrest is lawful, officers may conduct this limited search without a warrant. Consent is a separate exemption based on voluntary permission, plain view relies on evidence seen during a lawful intrusion, and open fields concerns privacy expectations outside the home. So the example that fits the scenario of an exception arising from a lawful arrest is the search incident to arrest.