When is a search of a home permissible without a warrant?

The search of a home without a warrant is permissible primarily when specific legal criteria are met, which include consent, exigent circumstances, or certain exceptions that allow officers to bypass the warrant requirement.

Consent occurs when an occupant with the authority to do so agrees to the search. Exigent circumstances might involve situations where law enforcement believes that immediate action is necessary to prevent the destruction of evidence, protect life, or prevent a suspect's escape. Legal criteria encompass various recognized exceptions under the Fourth Amendment, forming a critical component of lawful searches without a warrant.

The other options do not accurately reflect the legal standards. For instance, while having the owner's presence and agreement may indicate consent, it does not encompass the broader scenarios under which a search can occur without a warrant. Moreover, the notion of conducting a search during specific hours or as part of a routine patrol lacks any legal grounding for warrantless searches. Thus, the correct answer comprehensively embodies the circumstances under which a warrantless search is permissible.