Alameda & Contra Costa County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Search & Seizure Laws

One of the most compelling defenses for any criminal charge revolves around search & seizure law.  The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says it’s unlawful for law enforcement officials to conduct a search of you or your property without justifiable cause or a warrant. The amendment states:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized, “

Just because investigators and police officers are in a position to enforce the law, does not mean they are above the law.  No police officer, investigator, or other official has the automatic authority to search you or your home without a warrant or justifiable cause or reason.  When a law enforcement official conducts a search without a court-issued search warrant or without justifiable cause, any evidence found during the search will be deemed inadmissible in court and thrown out.  

Why should I hire an attorney?

If you have been arrested on criminal charges, especially drug-related criminal charges, an experienced defense attorney can make sure your rights were not violated and that the investigating officers abided by all state and federal search and seizure laws. A skilled criminal attorney who has extensive experience in handling cases involving search & seizure laws can motion to have any evidence unlawfully obtained thrown out of court, which could lead to a dismissal of your charges. Furthermore, an attorney can also make sure your rights as a citizen are protected, honored, and upheld throughout your entire case.

Contact a Contra Costa & Alameda Search and Seizure Attorney

Alameda County and Contra Costa Attorney Lynn Gorelick understands all aspects of both state and federal search and seizure laws. When you come to the Gorelick Law Offices, Ms. Gorelick will start by sitting down with you to review your case, discuss your options, and answer any questions you may have. She will then conduct a thorough investigation into your case, looking to for any sign that your rights were violated, or that law enforcement authorities violated search and seizure law.  Ms. Gorelick has proudly spent her 25-year career defending those whose rights and freedom are in jeopardy, making sure her clients receive fair treatment and the greatest possibility of success.

Let Attorney Lynn Gorelick help you fight your charges! Contact Gorelick Law Offices today at (510) 785-1444!