Which of the following is an example of exigent circumstances?

Exigent circumstances refer to situations that require immediate action by law enforcement to prevent potential harm, the destruction of evidence, or the escape of a suspect. In this context, the scenario of hearing gunshots coming from a residence clearly illustrates exigent circumstances. This situation suggests that there may be a life-threatening emergency in progress, such as an ongoing violent crime, which necessitates prompt police intervention without the time to obtain a warrant.

When officers hear gunshots, they have a reasonable belief that individuals inside may be in danger or that a crime is actively occurring. This urgency removes the typical requirement for a warrant, as swift action can be crucial to saving lives or securing evidence.

The other scenarios, while they may involve police actions, do not fulfill the criteria for exigent circumstances as effectively. Serving a warrant is a planned action that involves prior legal authorization. Finding drugs in plain view during a traffic stop pertains to the plain view doctrine and is not inherently exigent. Conducting a routine traffic stop involves a standard procedure that does not indicate an immediate threat or emergency.