Who can use probable cause to obtain a search warrant?

In the context of obtaining a search warrant, probable cause is a legal standard that requires evidence sufficient to justify the belief that a search will uncover evidence of a crime. Various entities involved in law enforcement or regulatory enforcement have the authority to use this standard to obtain search warrants.

Fire marshals, for example, are tasked with enforcing fire codes and may need to search premises to ensure compliance with safety regulations. They can establish probable cause by gathering evidence suggesting that a code violation may exist.

Witness testimony can also contribute to establishing probable cause. If a credible witness provides information that indicates illegal activity or safety violations within a property, that testimony can be used in a warrant application.

The mention of "search warrant" in the choices denotes the actual legal instrument used to conduct a search, but the requirement for probable cause is applicable to any individual or entity authorized to seek such a warrant. Therefore, the ability of different stakeholders—like fire marshals and testimony from witnesses—to use probable cause reinforces the comprehensive application of this legal standard in law enforcement practices, confirming that all the mentioned components contribute to the process of obtaining a search warrant.