A peace officer may arrest an offender without a warrant for any offense committed in his presence or within his view. All states and territories have their own state law enforcement database, as does the federal government.If it is a misdemeanor or a minor felony, probably no. The police in California usually need probable cause to arrest a person without a warrant. Probable cause along with exigent circumstances may justify a search or entry without a warrant. 2 This is also known as the "emergency doctrine. The police in California usually need probable cause to arrest a person without a warrant. (2) The person arrested has committed a felony, although not in the officer's presence. A judge may also order your arrest if they witness you commit a crime in plain sight. This generally applies to crimes committed in public spaces.