Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
surreptitious-entry search warrant
Read a random definition: Fed. R. App. P.
A quick definition of surreptitious-entry search warrant:
A surreptitious-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 type of warrant is used to search for evidence of a crime and collect intangible evidence, such as photographs and eyewitness information. It is also known as a covert-entry or sneak-and-peek search warrant. Information gathered during the search can later be used to support a search warrant under which physical evidence can be seized.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A surreptitious-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 of a crime. This type of warrant is also known as a covert-entry search warrant.
Examples:
- Covert-entry search warrant: This type of warrant allows law enforcement officers to enter a property without the owner's knowledge or consent to search for evidence. For example, if the police suspect that a drug dealer is operating out of a certain house, they may obtain a covert-entry search warrant to enter the property and search for drugs.
- No-knock search warrant: This type of warrant allows the police to enter a property without knocking or announcing their presence. This is usually done when the police believe that announcing their presence would lead to the destruction of evidence or endanger their safety. For example, if the police suspect that a suspect is armed and dangerous, they may obtain a no-knock search warrant to enter the property and apprehend the suspect.
These examples illustrate how surreptitious-entry search warrants can be used by law enforcement officers to gather evidence and apprehend suspects without alerting them to their presence. However, these warrants are controversial because they can infringe on the privacy rights of property owners and occupants.