Can Police Conduct a Search Without a Warrant?

_In most cases, police need a warrant to conduct a search. Police get a warrant by showing a judge or magistrate that there is sufficient probable cause to conduct a search. If the judge determines that there is sufficient probable cause, then a warrant will be issued for police to search for specific items in a specific place. 

Police do not need a warrant to conduct a search where the officer sees something of interest "in plain view" during the course of other legal police business.  

The police need no search warrant if you give consent for them to conduct the search,  if the officer is conducting a search incident to an arrest, or if there exist some emergency or exigent circumstances.

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Back to Arrests
and Warrants FAQ

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Contact Amori and Associates, LLC at (570) 421-1406 for a no obligation consultation.

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