The Strong Defense
You Deserve
What are valid grounds to issue a search warrant?
Becoming involved in a criminal investigation can be overwhelming, especially when authorities contact or look for you. Although these procedures could be necessary, authorities are still responsible for following standards and protocols. The same goes for when they need to search specific properties.
In these scenarios, law enforcement might need to request for a court-approved search warrant. Without this document, the search can be unreasonable and unlawful. Additionally, these warrants may only be valid based on the situation, including the following grounds:
- The property subject for the search has a significant role in criminal activity, such as involvement in embezzlement, theft, or other crimes.
- The offenders used the property to commit crimes, such as gambling, selling illegal products or other similar offenses.
- The property can serve as evidence for any felonies.
- Crimes involving illegal substances implicated the property being held, making the search reasonable.
- Violent crimes happened or are happening within the property.
These grounds can also vary based on whether the property is a vehicle, an establishment or a private home. This type of warrant can be vital for law enforcement and the people involved in the investigation. But once issued, refusing or obstructing the search can be a separate violation, which may lead to additional sanctions.
Knowing if a search is lawful
A search can be unlawful based on the circumstances, especially if it happens without a warrant. When involved in a crime, seeking legal help can be crucial to determine if law enforcement missed any steps or made mistakes that can significantly affect the case’s outcome. Knowing these possibilities and understanding the law can also help determine if any violations happened when the authorities performed their duties.