Category Archives: warrantless search

CAN POLICE SEARCH YOUR GARBAGE WITHOUT A WARRANT?

Whether police need a search warrant for something like a garbage can generally depends on whether you have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the place or thing being searched. When it comes to garbage, your expectation of privacy can … Continue reading

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MY GIRLFRIEND LET THEM IN! WHEN A VISITOR LETS POLICE SEARCH YOUR HOME

You had some errands to run so you left your house. Your girlfriend often stays with you. She even has a key. Or maybe it was a visiting relative or a housekeeper or someone who watches your child. In any … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, arrest warrant, consent to search, drug crimes, drug dealing, narcotics, search, warrantless search | Leave a comment

NEW ILLINOIS LAW MAKES RECORDING DRUG CRIMES EASIER

Generally speaking, before undercover police can record their dealings with you, they must persuade a judge to issue a warrant. But a new Illinois law just made that process a little faster and easier. For certain crimes, police need only … Continue reading

Posted in dealers, drug crimes, drug dealing, drug offense, narcotics, warrantless search, wiretapping | Leave a comment

CAN THE POLICE SEARCH MY CELL PHONE?

Police can search your cell phone to learn its phone number without a search warrant, much like they can flip through the pages of your diary to find your address, said a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. Modern … Continue reading

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WARRANTLESS SEARCHES: THE U.S. SUPREME COURT MARIJUANA EVIDENCE CASE AND ILLINOIS LAW

You may have heard it on the news: U.S. Supreme Court rules that police can enter home because of marijuana smell. While this statement oversimplifies the court’s decision, Kentucky v King deals with the law of exigent circumstances, or when … Continue reading

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CAN THEY SEARCH MY CAR? YOUR RIGHTS DURING A TRAFFIC STOP (BEFORE AN ARREST)

You were a little preoccupied while driving home late one night and missed a stop sign. Unfortunately, a police officer spotted you and pulled you over. After taking your license, the officer asked you to step out of the car. … Continue reading

Posted in narcotics, probable cause, reasonable suspicion, search of car, search warrant, traffic offense, traffic stop, traffic tickets, vehicle search, warrantless search | Leave a comment