The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution highlights a significant right that you have when it comes to drug searches and seizures conducted by law enforcement officers. However, without a clear understanding of those rights and how to protect them, you could set yourself up for failure within the courtroom.
The Fourth Amendment places restrictions on when police may conduct drug searches and seize evidence. A drug crime defense attorney in Clemson, SC will defend your rights and challenge improperly obtained evidence.
The Fourth Amendment and Police Drug Searches
The Fourth Amendment protects you, your house, and your “papers and effects” against any type of unreasonable seizure or search without probable cause. The key factor is whether the search is considered reasonable under the law. The general rule is that searches and seizures must be conducted with a warrant based on probable cause.
However, that is not always the case. For instance, a warrant is not required if there is an emergency involved that requires law enforcement officers to have immediate access to an automobile, home, or business.
An important point to remember is that a warrant is also not required if you give your verbal consent to the search of your property. Police officers can also conduct a warrantless search of an arrested individual and the immediate surrounding area to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence.
Understanding the rules for when police may search you, your home, or your car for drugs can be complicated. That is exactly why you must ask a criminal defense attorney in Clemson, SC for guidance.
What Is “Probable Cause” in South Carolina?
“Probable cause” is a state of facts that could lead an individual of “ordinary care and prudence” to believe that the object in question is located at the specific place identified within the warrant. The person requesting the warrant must be able to show solid reasons for believing that the specific item(s) is there.
In simple terms, probable cause means that law enforcement officers must have sufficient reason to believe that a crime has been committed, and the search will yield evidence related to that crime.
When Can Police Do a Drug Search?
Here are several situations in which law enforcement may conduct drug searches.
Search Warrants
If law enforcement has probable cause to believe that a specific location contains evidence of a drug crime, they can seek a search warrant from a judge. The warrant must describe the place to be searched and the items to be seized.
Emergency Situations
If there is an immediate threat to safety, the potential destruction of evidence, or a need for swift action, law enforcement may search without a warrant.
Consent
If a person voluntarily agrees to a search, law enforcement can search without a warrant. It’s important that the consent is freely given and not the result of coercion.
Arrest for Drug Offenses
When a person is lawfully arrested, law enforcement may search the person and the immediate surrounding area to ensure officer safety and prevent the destruction of evidence.
Observable Evidence
If law enforcement sees drugs or drug paraphernalia in plain view while in a location where they have a legal right to be, they may seize the items without a warrant.
K-9 Drug Searches
Law enforcement can use trained drug-detection dogs to conduct searches of vehicles or property. However, the use of a K-9 may be subject to certain Fourth Amendment requirements, and the stop and search must be lawful.
The Impact of Unreasonable Search or Seizure
Regardless of the type of drug charges filed against you, an unreasonable search or seizure can play a major role in the case. For instance, any evidence obtained through an unreasonable search or seizure is considered inadmissible in court thanks to the “exclusionary rule.” Even if the evidence may be the “smoking gun,” how it was obtained could remove it from the equation.
Your Clemson criminal defense attorney will consider each interaction involving law enforcement to ensure that all searches and/or seizures were done by the book.
Call an Experienced Clemson Criminal Defense Lawyer
Understanding the circumstances under which law enforcement can conduct a drug search is crucial for anyone facing potential criminal charges. An experienced Clemson criminal defense lawyer at Boatwright Legal can defend your rights.
Whether challenging the validity of a search warrant or scrutinizing the details of an arrest, we are dedicated to providing vigorous defense strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation.
If you are charged with a drug offense or another crime, contact us today at 864-745-9758 to schedule a free consultation.
