01 Sep 2023
Criminal Defense
A warrant is a court-issued document that grants police officers the right to conduct a search of a private residence or make an arrest. This can be a residential address, an office, or a privately-owned business that is open to customers. Several different types of warrants empower police officers and other forms of law enforcement to take different actions, but they are all used against specific individuals.
If there is a police warrant out for you, a place you live, or your place of business, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Criminal warrants are no simple matter and need to be treated with the utmost seriousness. While they aren’t all meant to end in arrest, they are helping police officers work towards that goal. If not handled correctly, you can lose more than just your belongings but your freedom. Contact the criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC today.
How Warrants are Used
Warrants can grant police officers the ability to enter:- Homes
- Businesses
- Vehicles
- Other properties
How are Police Warrants Acquired?
Police officers obtain warrants through the judicial process. Here is a basic outline of the steps they have to take:- Probable Cause: First, police must have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. Probable cause is a reasonable belief based on facts or evidence.
- Affidavit: The police officer will then write an affidavit stating the facts and circumstances that led them to believe a crime had been committed. This affidavit may include statements from witnesses, surveillance footage, or other forms of evidence.
- Presenting to Judge: The police officer presents the affidavit to a judge or magistrate.
- Judge's Review: The judge reviews the affidavit to determine if it provides sufficient probable cause. If the judge believes there is enough evidence, they will issue the warrant.
- Issuance of Warrant: The warrant is then given to the police officer, who can use it to conduct a search or make an arrest.
- Execution of Warrant: The police must follow specific rules when executing the warrant, such as the time of day when it can be carried out and what locations can be searched.