Knock-knock. Police officers are at your door, armed with a search warrant. But is that search warrant legally valid?

The Fourth Amendment protects your privacy by generally requiring police to get a valid search warrant before they can conduct a search of your home (or other places where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy). The warrant must be filed in good faith by an officer and be based on reliable information showing probable cause to search your premises.

There are, however, a few additional warrant requirements that you’ll want to look for if presented with a search warrant. A warrant must include:

So what if you challenge police over a questionable search warrant? While it may seem unfair, you can potentially be arrested for resisting a search – though you can always file a claim afterwards alleging a violation of your rights. But keep in mind that police don’t always need a warrant to conduct a search, so be sure to familiarize yourself with exceptions to the warrant requirement.

If you’re still confused, or if you think you’ve been subjected to an unlawful search, you’ll want to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away.

Related Resources:

  • Search Warrant Requirements (FindLaw)
  • Can Police Search Door-to-Door Without Warrants? (FindLaw’s Blotter)
  • N.J. Court: Cell Phone Data Tracking Needs Warrant (FindLaw’s Blotter)
  • Questioned by Police? Know These 3 Rights (FindLaw’s Blotter)

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Civil Rights

Block on Trump’s Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court

Criminal

Judges Can Release Secret Grand Jury Records

Politicians Can’t Block Voters on Facebook, Court Rules