Under what condition may an officer file criminal charges without permission?

An officer may file criminal charges without permission if they witness a Class C misdemeanor occurring in their presence. This is rooted in the authority granted to law enforcement to act immediately in response to offenses they observe firsthand, particularly those categorized as Class C misdemeanors, which encompass less severe violations such as certain traffic offenses or public order violations.

Filing charges for Class C misdemeanors directly observed by the officer serves to ensure swift enforcement of the law and maintain public order. This authority allows officers to act decisively, without needing to consult a supervisor or seek prior approval, ensuring efficient responses to low-level offenses that could escalate if not addressed immediately.

The other conditions do not empower an officer to act independently in filing charges: witnessing a felony typically requires different protocols due to the severity of the offense; obtaining a supervisor's permission indicates that the officer is not acting independently; and being off duty complicates an officer's ability to file charges effectively, as they are not in a capacity to perform their duties.