Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Search and Seizure

Can the police confiscate a motor vehicle/ motorhome with the defendants personal property six days before applying for a search Warrant, based on a hunch that it MIGHT contain stolen property?


Asked on 2/24/08, 8:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Harry Steinmetz Law Office of Harry S. Steinmetz

Re: Search and Seizure

The police can take property in anticipation of a search, but certain standards apply. The must have reasonable suspicion that it contains contraband and a believe that it will disappear if the don't hold the property until they can get a warrant. They also have to move promptly on the warrant.

Basically they need to be put to the test to justify their actions. That is what attorneys do. Please contact me for a more specific opinion.

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Answered on 2/26/08, 2:39 pm


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