When Can the Police Search Your Computer?

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 19-May-2015

As your personal property, your computer is protected from unreasonable searches and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. In other words, the police can only search your computer under certain circumstances. For example, if you choose to grant your permission for the search, the police officers are within their rights to look through your files. Alternatively, police officers may obtain a search warrant signed by a judge that authorizes them to conduct a search. The warrant must specify exactly which areas of your home or which personal property the officers are allowed to search.

If police officers knock on your door with a warrant, you have the right to read the warrant. You can check to see whether your computer is listed on the warrant. If not, then the police cannot search it. If they try to do so anyway and you refuse, you need to call a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can protect your legal rights during the search.

Do you believe your rights may have been violated? Call promptly to reach the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass. Our criminal defense team protects the legal rights of citizens in the Dallas and Plano areas.