South Florida Search and Seizure

Your rights may have been violated by law enforcement if you have been arrested as a result of an illegal search and seizure. If you or a loved one has been arrested after police conduct a search without a warrant or without your express permission, you may be a victim of illegal search and seizure and will need the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States protects citizens from unlawful search and seizure.⁽¹⁾ If you believe your arrest is due to an illegal search and seizure, contact

South Florida search and seizure attorneys as soon as possible so they can move quickly to protect you from further violations of your rights.

The police are required to follow certain rules when conducting a search. These rules can be very complicated. If these rules are not followed to the letter, a motion to suppress the evidence found during an illegal search and seizure can be filed by an attorney. In South Florida, including the cities of Boca Raton, Jupiter, Wellington and West Palm Beach, search and seizure attorneys are equipped to investigate your claim and provide the legal advice you need. If the evidence in your case is not allowed because it was found illegally, you may be able to have your case dismissed.

There are many different situations where a search might be allowed without a warrant. These can include:

• Consent search: If given permission, police can legally seize any evidence discovered.
• Plain view search: This is evidence located in an area police can access or that can be seen out in the open
• Search during arrest: A search for protection of police can be made during an arrest to look for weapons or evidence that might be destroyed.
• Search of a car at traffic stop: Vehicles can be searched during a legal traffic stop, if police believe the vehicle may contain something illegal.
• Search for an emergency purpose: If taking time to get a warrant would affect public safety or if important evidence might be lost. ⁽²⁾

South Florida search and seizure attorneys can help investigate your case. They possess specialized knowledge to help determine whether police followed proper procedures, can negotiate with prosecutors and prepare your case for trial. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime due to an illegal search and seizure, experienced South Florida search and seizure lawyers can help the accused receive fair and just representation.

The attorneys of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. represent search and seizure clients in all of South Florida, including Jupiter, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Wellington and other cities.