Legal Question in Criminal Law in California
can police search and seize anything they want without a warrant only probable cause?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Absolutely not. Either talk to a lawyer or do some research on your own. In a search engine (i.e Google), just enter in "California Search and Seizure" or "know your search and seizure rights in California".
Again, police can't play God. There are some very specific rules concerning automobiles in particular. For example, glove compartments, trunks, bags in the car, etc.
Your question is too generally worded. I realize you are looking for the answer to be no, but you leave out a lot of details which doesn't let any attorney answer your question intelligently. It is possible the answer to your specific question could be yes. I suggest you speak in person with a criminal defense attorney and go over all the facts. Search and seizure questions are factually intensive.
The general rule is that they need a search warrant but there are many exceptions. For more information you may go to my blog: http://takingthefifth-acriminallawblog.com or you may call me at 415-336-7534.
What an officer can search and/or seize without a warrant depends upon the circumstances. You haven't told us what the circumstances are, so we can't offer any useful guidance.
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