Code of Criminal Procedure · U.S. Supreme Court, 1976

United States v. Santana

United States v. Santana is a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court decision. This page summarizes key points and works through practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Hot pursuit
  • Fleeing felon
  • Officers in continuous active pursuit
  • Warrantless entry permitted to apprehend

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Worked examples

Worked example 1

SCENARIO. Officers chase an armed robbery suspect on foot. The suspect runs into a nearby house and slams the door. May officers enter without a warrant?

  1. No — they always need a warrant for a home
  2. Yes — hot pursuit of a fleeing felon is an exigent circumstance allowing warrantless entry Correct
  3. Only with the homeowner's consent
  4. Only if they hear gunshots
Why: Hot pursuit of a fleeing felon — particularly one who is armed — is a classic exigent circumstance permitting warrantless entry into a residence to apprehend.
Statute: United States v. Santana; Warden v. Hayden