Savannah Georgia defense attorney - Search warrants

Savannah Georgia defense attorney - Search warrants

Dealing with law on search and seizure in Liberty County Georgia

In certain situations, police are authorized to conduct a search without first obtaining a search warrant. Common exceptions to the warrant requirement include:
Consent. law enforcement may conduct a search in the absence of a search warrant when they obtain consent. Consent must be freely and voluntarily given by a person with a reasonable expectation of privacy in the area or property to be searched.
Plain View. An officer can seize evidence without a warrant when that officer is on the premises lawfully and the evidence is found in plain view.

Search incident to arrest. While conducting a lawful arrest, an officer can search an individuals person and their immediate surroundings for weapons or other items that can harm the officer. If an individual is arrested in or near a vehicle, the officer can search the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Exigent Circumstances. police are not required to get a search warrant if they reasonably believe that evidence can be destroyed or others can be endangered during the time it will take to secure the warrant.

Automobile Exception. An officer may search a vehicle if they have a reasonable belief that contraband is hidden inside the vehicle.

Hot Pursuit. police may enter a private dwelling if they are in hot pursuit of a fleeing criminal. Once inside a dwelling, police may search the entire area without first obtaining a search warrant.

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