CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Illegal Search and Seizure: What You Need to Know

Representing Clients In Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee County, and all over the State of Michigan.

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Illegal Search and Seizure in Michigan

The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. This important right helps to safeguard the privacy of citizens and ensure that law enforcement officers act within the bounds of the law. If you believe that your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, it is critical to seek legal assistance immediately. As a dedicated criminal defense attorney serving throughout the Metro Detroit area and the state of Michigan, Ashlee Duplessis and her team can help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them.

What Is Unlawful Search and Seizure?

Unlawful search and seizure occurs when law enforcement officers conduct a search or seizure without a warrant, or when a warrant is issued without probable cause. The Fourth Amendment requires that all searches and seizures be reasonable and conducted in accordance with a warrant or a recognized exception to the warrant requirement. If you believe that law enforcement officers have conducted an unlawful search or seizure, it is important to seek legal help to determine the best course of action.

Examples of Unreasonable Searches and Seizures

There are many situations where illegal search and seizure can occur.

  • A police officer searches your car during a routine traffic stop without probable cause or your consent.
  • Law enforcement officers enter your home without a warrant or consent and conduct a search.
  • A police officer seizes property unrelated to a crime during a lawful search.
  • Law enforcement officers conduct a search without a warrant or probable cause based solely on racial profiling.
  • A police officer searches your belongings or pockets without your consent or a warrant.
  • Law enforcement officers conduct a search at a location that is not covered by the warrant.
  • A police officer searches your phone or computer without a warrant or your consent.
  • Law enforcement officers conduct a search or seizure that is not based on a recognized exception to the warrant requirement.

It’s important to remember that these are just a few examples of illegal searches and seizures, and there may be other situations where your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated. If you believe that you have been the victim of an unreasonable search and seizure, it’s critical to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action to protect them.

Are There Exceptions to This Rule?

There are some exceptions to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement. For example, law enforcement officers may conduct a search without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be found, or if pressing circumstances make it impractical to obtain a warrant. Additionally, law enforcement officers may conduct a search with the consent of the individual, or they may seize property that is in plain view during a lawful search.

Duplessis Law: Experienced in Illegal Search and Seizure Cases

If you believe your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, you should seek legal help from a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your case, determine whether a violation occurred, and take steps to protect your rights. This may involve filing a motion to suppress evidence that was obtained illegally, or it may involve challenging the legality of a search or seizure in court.

At Duplessis Law, we understand how important it is to protect our clients’ Fourth Amendment rights. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, skilled legal representation to individuals throughout Michigan who are facing criminal charges. We believe that everyone deserves a strong defense, and we are committed to fighting for our clients’ rights in every case.

Ashlee Duplessis has handled plenty of cases with successful outcomes and will do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.