Do police have to by law give a copy of search warrant?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Do police have to by law give a copy of search warrant?

Asked on March 3, 2011 under Criminal Law, Pennsylvania

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Typically there is no legal requirement that the police show you a copy of a search warrant. The fact is that many times they are obtained over the phone from an "on-call" judge. Consequently the actual warrant itself  may not be available. While an officer may show the face page of a warrant to avoid any confrontations or to convince a person that there is a warrant, it's not a legal requirement.

However, the law surrounding search warrants can be quite complex - was the warrant valid in the first place; was the execution valid; etc?  If you have any questions surrounding this search, you really need to consult directly with a criminal law attorney. 

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Well put in a different way, you have the right to see a search warrant when you have asked to do so.  All of this comes under the Fourth Amendment rights guaranteed us.  They are known as "search and seizure" rights.  If you do not give consent and the police do not have a valid search warrant then you can not generally be searched.  And what is also important to know is that the police can not go beyond the scope and limits of the search warrant.  They need to comply with what it says.  Speak with an attorney in your area if you think that your rights may have been violated.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption