A search-warrant is a legal order signed by a judge that gives a police officer the right to search for items inside a specified location. Warrants are commonly used to search a criminal suspect’s home, property, or vehicle to obtain evidence to be used in a criminal trial. Even though police officers generally need to convince a judge that there is probable cause to search someone’s property, there are some situations in which a police officer doesn’t need this court order to conduct a search. If you’re facing jail following one of these searches, call a bail bondsman right away.
Consent Searches
If a suspect gives a police officer permission to enter his or her home or vehicle, this police officer can obtain evidence found without a warrant. Even though it isn’t necessary for an individual to consent to a warrant-less search, police officers aren’t legally required to inform suspects of their right to refuse consent. This means that police officers are often able to trick a suspect into giving them permission to conduct a warrant-less search.
Plain View Searches
Even though the Fourth Amendment protects an individual’s right to privacy regarding his or her own property, the courts have ruled that officers don’t need a warrant to obtain evidence that is in plain view. For example, if an officer sees a marijuana plant growing on an individual’s outdoor property, he or she can legally seize the plant as evidence without obtaining a warrant.
Pat-down Searches
If an individual has been placed under arrest, police officers are able to protect themselves by searching that person’s body for any weapons. During these situations, the arresting officer will use his or her hands to pat down different areas of the suspects body in the search for any objects that would appear to be a weapon.
BUT, if a warrant does exists for your arrest, you probably won’t know until it’s too late and they’re cuffing you. While you might not be able to avoid the trip to jail , you can hire a qualified bail bondsman to get you out of lockup quickly and confidentially. Here is how arrest warrants are used in the state of California and how you can make bail:
When Is an Arrest Warrant Used?
An arrest warrant is a formal document signed by a judge that orders the arrest and detention of a person thought to commit a crime. Arrest warrants are typically issued after a grand jury indictment or when a police officer reasonably suspects that criminal activity has occurred. An arrest warrant may be issued if you are suspected of a murder, theft, breaking and entering, or any other crime that wasn’t committed in the presence of a law enforcement officer.
What Is Reasonable Suspicion?
In order to obtain an arrest warrant, a law enforcement officer must present his suspicions to a judge. A police officer can give a sworn statement, or he may seek a statement from a district attorney or the alleged victim of a crime.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Warrant and a Bench Warrant?
Both bench warrants and arrest warrants must be ordered and signed by a judge. However, a bench warrant is usually issued if the accused has failed to appear for a court case or owes the court an outstanding fine.
When Will I Be Arrested?
The answer to this question is trickier, because law enforcement officers don’t always immediately follow through with an arrest after a warrant has been secured. All you need to understand is they can legally arrest you any time, any where in any private or public space.