Guidelines For Search Warrants in Florida

In Florida, the police need to have a valid search warrant in order to be able to search your home, vehicle, or any other property. Barring a few exceptional circumstances, a police officer cannot barge into your home without your consent or a warrant.

If a search warrant has been issued against you or if your property has been searched by the police, it is important to contact a Miami criminal defense attorney right away so that you can discuss the steps that can be taken to protect your rights.

When Can a Search Warrant Be Issued Against Your Property in Florida?

Under Florida law, a search warrant can be issued against your property if it is suspected that:

  • Your property contains stolen or embezzled items
  • It is being used to commit crimes like gambling and making and selling intoxicating substances
  • Laws related to animal cruelty are being violated at your place
  • Laws related to narcotic substances are being violated at your place
  • It contains evidence pertaining to a felony crime
  • It is being used to commit fraud
  • It is being used to commit child abuse related offenses

As any Miami criminal defense lawyer can tell you, a search warrant is valid only if it contains the following:

  • A probable cause
  • Description of the person, vehicle, or place to be searched and the things to be seized
  • A judge’s signature

Most importantly, the warrant must be served and executed by the officers who requested it in the first place. If any of the aforementioned guidelines are violated while getting or executing a warrant, the evidence obtained by the police might not be admissible, in which case your Miami criminal defense attorney might be able to get the charges against you dismissed.

Legal Guidelines For Arrest Warrants in Florida

If a police officer, who is investigating a crime, believes that they have probable cause to arrest you, they can request a judge to issue a warrant against you.

Apart from this, an arrest warrant can also be issued against you for probation violations, missing a court appearance, and for a number of other reasons. If you have an outstanding warrant against you, you should get in touch with an experienced Miami criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can to explore the legal options available to protect your rights and interests.

Do Arrest Warrants Expire in Florida?

In a vast majority of cases, outstanding arrest warrants do not expire in Florida. What this means is that you can be arrested at any time and at any place by a police officer – even if you move to a different state. So it’s prudent to obtain legal counsel and find out if it is possible to recall the warrant.

Choose the Right Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer to Protect Your Rights

For over 10 years, attorney Chad Piotrowski has been fighting for the rights of Florida residents facing criminal charges – from traffic violations to felony crimes. Being a former prosecutor, Chad Piotrowski has firsthand experience of the process of securing a conviction, which allows him to develop solid defense strategies for his clients and obtain results that many of his peers cannot.

If you have an outstanding search warrant or arrest warrant against you, call our firm today at 305-783-3436 or contact us online for a free and confidential review of your case.