Your home is your castle. It’s a place where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy and where you should feel safe. That privacy and safety can be shaken up in an instant if police officers show up at your door to search your home. If that happens, one of the first things you need to determine is if they can conduct a search without needing a search warrant.
Except for in very limited circumstances, police officers are required to have a search warrant to enter your home. One of the most common exceptions is if you provide them with consent. Exigent circumstances, such as trying to catch someone running from them or hearing gunshots in the home, can also lead to warrantless searches.
What must be included in a search warrant?
Search warrants must contain very specific information. This includes the exact place to be searched and a description of the items to be seized. It must include the probable cause statement that led to the issuance of the warrant, the signature of the magistrate or judge and the time limit for the execution of the warrant.
If police officers conduct a search warrant that’s deemed illegal, typically because they didn’t have a valid search warrant or reason for the search, the evidence they collected may be inadmissible in court. This can be an important component in a defense strategy, so defendants who are dealing with that type of situation should ensure they work with someone who can help them uphold their rights.