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Simple English definitions for legal terms
covert-entry search warrant
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A quick definition of covert-entry search warrant:
A covert-entry search warrant is a legal document that allows law enforcement officers to secretly enter a private property without the owner's knowledge or consent. This warrant authorizes officers to search the premises and collect evidence, such as photographs and eyewitness information, without prior notice. The information gathered during this search can later be used to support a search warrant under which physical evidence can be seized. Covert-entry search warrants were first given express statutory authority by the USA Patriot Act and are also known as sneak-and-peek or surreptitious-entry search warrants.
A more thorough explanation:
A covert-entry search warrant is a written order from a judge that allows law enforcement officers to secretly enter a private property without the owner's knowledge or consent to search for evidence. This type of warrant is also known as a sneak-and-peek search warrant or surreptitious-entry search warrant.
For example, if the police suspect that a person is involved in drug trafficking, they may obtain a covert-entry search warrant to enter the suspect's home when they are not there and search for evidence such as drugs, drug paraphernalia, or documents related to drug transactions.
Covert-entry search warrants were first given statutory authority by the USA Patriot Act. Information gathered during the search can later be used to support a search warrant under which physical evidence can be seized.