To search a vehicle in the state of New Mexico, an officer must have which two things?

In New Mexico, to search a vehicle legally, an officer needs probable cause along with exigent circumstances. Probable cause refers to the reasonable belief that evidence of a crime can be found within the vehicle. This standard ensures that the search is justified and not arbitrary or unreasonable.

Exigent circumstances allow an officer to conduct a search without a warrant if there is an immediate need to act. This could involve situations where evidence may be destroyed or where there is a risk to public safety. For example, if an officer has probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime in a vehicle, and waiting for a warrant could compromise that evidence or create a dangerous situation, they are justified in conducting a search based on these exigent circumstances.

Other options do not adequately meet the legal requirements for conducting a vehicle search. An arrest warrant specifically pertains to individuals rather than vehicles and does not address the conditions under which a vehicle can be searched. Reasonable suspicion and consent do not provide the necessary legal basis without the context of probable cause. Finally, lawful entry and plain view alone do not suffice when it comes to vehicle searches, as officers require probable cause alongside exigent circumstances to ensure that their actions adhere to constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.