Is it illegal to search without a warrant?
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Is it illegal to search without a warrant?
I had a U-Haul with my personal belongings in it, the UHaul was not in my name the police said they thought there was stolen items in there and started looking through it, no warrants, no consent was given.
Asked on September 26, 2018 under Criminal Law, North Carolina
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
If the police have probable cause, which is a reasonable belief that criminal activity is afoot, a vehicle such as a U-haul can be searched without a warrant because by the time the police obtain a warrant and return, the vehicle and any contraband will probably be gone. No consent is required for the search of a vehicle.
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