probable cause standard (Kentucky) · Go Syfert
← Kentucky issues

probable cause standard in Kentucky

36 Kentucky opinions name it 2 courts 1968–2026 19 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Kentucky courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (26)

CaseFollowedCited
Illinois v. Gatesgreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 7 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2004–2026
2 sentences

2026Perhaps the central teaching of our decisions bearing on the probable cause standard is that it is a “practical, nontechnical conception.” Gates, 462 U.S. at 230–31.

2026Perhaps the central teaching of our decisions bearing on the probable cause standard is that it is a “practical, nontechnical conception.” Gates, 462 U.S. at 230–31.

27
Moore v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2005 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
2 sentences

2026See also Moore v. Commonwealth, 159 S.W.3d 325, 329 (Ky. 2005) (“Courts should review the sufficiency of an affidavit underlying a search warrant in a commonsense, rather than hypertechnical, manner.”).

2026See also Moore v. Commonwealth, 159 S.W.3d 325, 329 (Ky. 2005) (“Courts should review the sufficiency of an affidavit underlying a search warrant in a commonsense, rather than hypertechnical, manner.”).

22
Williams v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2004 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2022–2022
2 sentences

2022However, the probable cause standard is a “‘practical, nontechnical conception’ that deals with ‘the factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men, not legal technicians, act.’” Williams v. Commonwealth, 147 S.W.3d 1, 7 (Ky. 2004) (quoting Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213, 231 , 103 S. Ct. 2317, 2328 , 76 L.

2022The probable cause standard, however, is incapable of strict definition, and “is a flexible, common-sense standard.” Williams v. Commonwealth, 147 S.W.3d 1, 7 (Ky. 2004).

22
Bauder v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2009 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021Although not readily susceptible to a precise, universal definition, “reasonable suspicion is more than an unparticularized suspicion or hunch[,]” Bauder v. Commonwealth, 299 S.W.3d 588, 591 (Ky. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), but “is a significantly lower standard than the probable-cause standard.” Boyle v. Commonwealth, 245 S.W.3d 219, 220 (Ky.App. 2007).

2021“A reasonable suspicion is more than an unparticularized suspicion or hunch[,]” Bauder v. Commonwealth, 299 S.W.3d 588, 591 (Ky. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), but it “is a significantly lower standard than the probable-cause standard.” Boyle v. Commonwealth, 245 S.W.3d 219, 220 (Ky. -8- App. 2007).

22
Boyle v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 2007 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2021–2021
2 sentences

2021Although not readily susceptible to a precise, universal definition, “reasonable suspicion is more than an unparticularized suspicion or hunch[,]” Bauder v. Commonwealth, 299 S.W.3d 588, 591 (Ky. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), but “is a significantly lower standard than the probable-cause standard.” Boyle v. Commonwealth, 245 S.W.3d 219, 220 (Ky.App. 2007).

2021“A reasonable suspicion is more than an unparticularized suspicion or hunch[,]” Bauder v. Commonwealth, 299 S.W.3d 588, 591 (Ky. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted), but it “is a significantly lower standard than the probable-cause standard.” Boyle v. Commonwealth, 245 S.W.3d 219, 220 (Ky. -8- App. 2007).

22
Jones v. Baileygreen
moctapp · 2019 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2021–2026
2 sentences

2026Id. at 133 .

2026Id. at 144 .

12
Brinegar v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1949 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2004–2024
2 sentences

2004On many occasions, we have reiterated that the probable-cause standard is a "`practical, nontechnical conception'" that deals with "`the factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men, not legal technicians, act.'" Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213, 231 , 103 S.Ct. 2317 , 76 L.Ed.2d 527 (1983) (quoting Brinegar, supra, at 175-176 , 69 S.Ct. 1302 ); see, e.g., Ornelas v. United States, 517 U.S. 690, 695 , 116 S.Ct. 1657 , 134 L.Ed.2d 911 (1996); United States v. Sokolow, 490 U.S. 1, 7-8 , 109 S.Ct. 1581 , 104 L.Ed.2d 1 (1989). "[P]robable cause is a flui

2004On many occasions, we have reiterated that the probable-cause standard is a “ ‘practical, nontechnical conception’ ” that deals with “ ‘the factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men, not legal technicians, act.’ ” Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213, 231 , 103 S.Ct. 2317 , 76 L.Ed.2d 527 (1983) (quoting Brinegar, supra, at 175-176 , 69 S.Ct. 1302 ); see, e.g., Ornelas v. United States, 517 U.S. 690, 695 , 116 S.Ct. 1657 , 134 L.Ed.2d 911 . (1996); United States v. Sokolow, 490 U.S. 1, 7-8 , 109 S.Ct. 1581 , 104 L.Ed.2d 1 (1989). “[Pjrobable cause is

12
Maryland v. Pringlegreen
scotus · 2003 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2004–2022
2 sentences

2022Furthermore, probable cause “deals with the factual and practical considerations of everyday life on which reasonable and prudent men, not legal technicians, act.” Maryland v. Pringle, 540 U.S. 366, 370-71 (2003) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).

2004Id.

12
Baker v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 1999 · cited in 2 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2003–2007
2 sentences

2007Baker v. Commonwealth, 5 S.W.3d 142, 146 (Ky.1999).

2007Baker v. Commonwealth, 5 S.W.3d 142, 146 (Ky.1999).

12
United States v. Demetrius Pruittgreen
ca6 · 2006 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025Id. at 342 (citing United States v. Pruitt, 458 F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2006)).

11
Spinelli v. United Statesred
scotus · 1969 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024“While an effort to fix some general, numerically precise degree of certainty corresponding to ‘probable cause’ may not be helpful, it is clear that ‘only the probability, and not a prima facie showing, of criminal activity is the standard of probable cause.’” Gates¸ 462 U.S. at 235 (quoting Spinelli v. United States, 393 U.S. 410, 419 (1969)). “[P]robable cause is a fluid concept—turning on the assessment of probabilities in particular factual contexts—not readily, or even usefully, reduced to a neat set of legal rules.” Id. at 232.

11
Barrett v. Commonwealthgreen
ca10 · 2015 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024Id. at 342 (citation omitted).

11
Hanson v. DANE COUNTY, WIS.green
ca7 · 2010 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023Wisconsin, 608 F.3d 335, 338 (7th Cir. 2010)).

11
United States v. Albert Whitegreen
ca6 · 2017 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023Appellant KM argues “the probable cause standard in an affidavit must minimally show a sufficient nexus between the illegal activity and the place to be searched” citing United States v. White, 874 F.3d 490, 496-97 (6th Cir. 2017) (citation omitted).

11
Risby v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 1955 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023See Risby v. Commonwealth, 284 S.W.2d 686, 687 (Ky. 1955).

11
Parrish v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 1971 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023See Parrish v. Commonwealth, 472 S.W.2d 69, 71 (Ky. 1971) (“Under our rules of criminal procedure, arraignment is not a critical stage of the trial unless, of course, the accused enters a plea of guilty without benefit of counsel.”); Walton v. Commonwealth, No. 2018-CA-000380-MR, 2020 WL 969583 , at *7 (Ky. App. Feb. 28, 2020) (Holding that a probable cause hearing is not a critical stage of a criminal proceeding if its purpose “remains limited with little risk of substantial harm to the accused”).3 As to the information, the record demonstrates it clearly contains the handwritten signatures o

11
Goben v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2016 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023It rests on a probable cause standard which, in a different context, we have explained means “a good reason to act, . . . it does not mean certainty, or even more likely than not . . . .” Goben v. Commonwealth, 503 S.W.3d 890, 913 (Ky. 2016) (quoting Hanson v. Dane Cnty.

11
Hunt v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2010 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019See Hunt v. Commonwealth, 326 S.W.3d 437, 440 (Ky. 2010).

11
Mathews v. Eldridgegreen
scotus · 1976 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2019–2019
1 sentence

2019Because the conclusion that a supervision violation has occurred is one where “a wide variety of information may be deemed relevant, and issues of witness credibility and veracity are often critical to the decisionmaking process,” reviewing the administrative record is only minimally reliable and a “wholly unsatisfactory basis for [a revocation] decision.” Mathews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 343-44 (1976).

11
Bender v. Eatongreen
kyctapphigh · 1961 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Under our writ jurisprudence, there is no adequate remedy by appeal where the trial court’s erroneous action will result in a “substantial miscarriage of justice,” and “correction of the error is necessary and appropriate in the interest of orderly judicial administration.” Bender v. Eaton, 343 S.W.2d 799, 801 (Ky. 1961).

11
Kotila v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2003 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Matheney v. Commonwealthgreen
ky · 2006 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Greene v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 2008 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
11
Baltimore v. Commonwealthgreen
kyctapp · 2003 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
11
Ornelas v. United Statesgreen
scotus · 1996 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
See v. City of Seattlegreen
scotus · 1967 · cited in 1 Kentucky opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Kentucky. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (19)

CaseCitedYears
Terry v. Ohio green
scotus · 1968
2 sentences

2025Though the common law definition cited by Fuller continues to be applicable when determining whether a seizure has occurred, the Supreme Court in Terry, 392 U.S. at 30-31 , 88 S. Ct. at 1885 , carved out an exception to the probable cause requirement.

2025Though the common law definition cited by Fuller continues to be applicable when determining whether a seizure has occurred, the Supreme Court in Terry, 392 U.S. at 30-31 , 88 S. Ct. at 1885 , carved out an exception to the probable cause requirement.

41991–2025
Rodgers v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2009
2 sentences

2018Id. at 754-55 . *271 However, the trial court failed to apply the correct probable cause standard to the facts of this case.

2015If such cause does' not exist, immunity must be granted and, conversely, if it does exist, the matter must proceed. 285 S.W.3d at 754-55 , citing Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213 , 103 S.Ct. 2317 , 76 L.Ed.2d 527 (1983).

22015–2018
Payton v. New York green
scotus · 1980
1 sentence

2025Id. at 342 (citing United States v. Pruitt, 458 F.3d 477, 482 (6th Cir. 2006)).

12025–2025
McCloud v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2009
1 sentence

2024Although the circuit court used the more stringent probable cause standard applicable to the general automobile exception to assess the constitutionality of the search, its order denying the motion to suppress need not be reversed because we “may affirm a lower court for any reason supported by the record.” McCloud v. Commonwealth, 286 S.W.3d 780 , 786 n.19 (Ky. 2009) (citation omitted).

12024–2024
Strickland v. Washington green
scotus · 1984
2 sentences

2023Regarding the third and final claim of the ineffective assistance of counsel, Merriweather fails to demonstrate he is entitled to relief as set forth under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 , 104 S. Ct. 2052, 2068 , 80 L.

2023Regarding the third and final claim of the ineffective assistance of counsel, Merriweather fails to demonstrate he is entitled to relief as set forth under Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 694 , 104 S. Ct. 2052, 2068 , 80 L.

12023–2023
Crawford v. Washington green
scotus · 2004
1 sentence

2022While the former testimony hearsay exception’s “opportunity” for cross- examination is also properly analyzed under the constitutional standard of an 12 “adequate opportunity” for cross-examination, see Crawford, 541 U.S. at 61 , Shields, without citing authority, states that the “similar motive to develop testimony” test is required by both KRE 804(b)(1) and the Confrontation Clauses of the United States and Kentucky Constitutions.7 Neither this Court, nor our Court of Appeals, has directly addressed the “similar motive” requirement in the context of a preliminary or probable cause hearing, e

12022–2022
Ohio v. Roberts red
scotus · 1980
1 sentence

2022Although Shields’s defense counsel may have been caught off guard and she may not have had complete discovery,13 her experience of never having seen an eyewitness appear to testify at a probable cause hearing would seem to raise a red flag and either lead to asking the trial court for relief or at least asking credibility-challenging questions “comporting with the principal purpose of cross-examination.” Roberts, 448 U.S. at 71 .

12022–2022
Helton v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2010
1 sentence

2022Id. at 564 .

12022–2022
Yopp v. Commonwealth green
kyctapp · 2018
1 sentence

2021All that is required for reasonable suspicion is that “in justifying the particular intrusion the police officer must be able to point to specific and articulable facts which, taken together with rational inferences from those facts, reasonably warrant that intrusion.” Yopp, 562 S.W.3d at 294 (quoting Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 21 , 88 S. Ct. 1868, 1880 , 20 L.

12021–2021
Gagnon v. Scarpelli red
scotus · 1973
1 sentence

2019Gagnon, 411 U.S. at 785-86 . 24 While no one suggests that the ALJ improperly conducted the probable cause hearing in this case, the Board is the body charged with determining the ultimate findings of fact.

12019–2019
Wilson v. Commonwealth green
ky · 2001
12010–2010
United States v. Sokolow green
scotus · 1989
12004–2004
Commonwealth v. Halsell green
ky · 1996
12003–2003
Delaware v. Prouse green
scotus · 1979
11991–1991
Morrissey v. Brewer green
scotus · 1972
11990–1990
Giordenello v. United States green
scotus · 1958
11988–1988
Ybarra v. Illinois green
scotus · 1980
11988–1988
United States v. Cortez green
scotus · 1981
11984–1984
Barber v. Page green
scotus · 1968
11968–1968

Statutes the citing opinions construe

KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 218A.1415 (3) KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 431.005 (3) KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 439.340 (3) KY § Ky. Rev. Stat. § 503.085 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

IL 408 (1966–2026) CA 362 (1955–2026) OH 284 (1978–2026) MA 271 (1967–2026) TX 242 (1927–2026) CT 237 (1969–2026) PA 224 (1967–2026) NY 192 (1959–2026) WA 159 (1973–2026) WI 141 (1970–2026) NJ 141 (1978–2026) FL 137 (1973–2025) IN 136 (1971–2025) MI 109 (1972–2026) MD 98 (1973–2026) MN 93 (1975–2026) VA 93 (1975–2026) AL 86 (1937–2024) NC 85 (1974–2026) OR 81 (1976–2026) ID 77 (1978–2026) DC 76 (1970–2026) KS 75 (1975–2024) GA 68 (1969–2026) CO 68 (1971–2025) AZ 61 (1971–2025) MO 57 (1970–2024) UT 56 (1980–2026) IA 54 (1978–2026) ME 53 (1970–2023) LA 51 (1976–2020) TN 51 (1972–2025) NM 51 (1974–2026) MT 50 (1973–2025) AR 41 (1973–2024) ND 37 (1971–2021) KY 36 (1968–2026) NH 34 (1974–2024) RI 31 (1981–2026) WV 30 (1980–2026) MS 29 (1988–2023) DE 27 (1969–2026) SC 26 (2001–2025) AK 26 (1977–2025) NV 24 (1968–2022) VT 20 (1971–2020) WY 19 (1976–2025) NE 18 (1981–2024) SD 17 (1975–2019) HI 17 (1973–2022) VI 11 (1981–2014) OK 9 (1953–2006) MP 2 (2023–2024)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

← Caselaw search · G Cite Topics · Brief Check