High School

A PBT is specifically used to:

A. Make a valid arrest based on Probable Cause
B. Establish Reasonable Suspicion to conduct SFSTs
C. Issue a civil infraction

Answer :

Final answer:

A Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) is used to establish probable cause for an arrest, like for DUI. Probable cause is required by law for an arrest without a warrant, and it implies a reasonable belief of a crime being committed. Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard for stops and searches, but not for arrest.

Explanation:

The subject of the question appears to revolve around the concept of a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which is a tool used by law enforcement to measure an individual's blood alcohol content (BAC). The correct option that a PBT is specifically used for is typically: (A) Make a valid arrest based on Probable Cause. Establishing probable cause is necessary for law enforcement officials to justify an arrest, as per Title 1, Chapter 15 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief that a crime has been or is about to be committed. For example, if an individual is suspected of driving under the influence, the results of a PBT can provide the probable cause needed to make an arrest without a warrant, especially if the person is suspected of a felony crime.

In contrast, Reasonable Suspicion is a lower standard and is used to conduct stops and frisks as ruled in Terry v. Ohio (1968). Reasonable suspicion allows police officers to stop an individual if they believe the person has, is, or is about to commit a crime. While probable cause is required for an arrest or to search further without permission, reasonable suspicion or the view of an incriminating item in plain sight may contribute to developing probable cause.