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Special Issues in Search and Seizure

Handcuffs Contrary to what many people understand about Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure, exceptional situations exist that are outside of the amendment’s legal application. If you believe that your arrest grew out of an illegal search, a Sacramento criminal defense attorney can help. However, the following will provide you with some understanding of exceptions to the Fourth Amendment.

Private vs. Government Search

The Fourth Amendment provisions only deal with searches conducted by government agencies. A search of your property conducted by a private party is not regulated this way. The ramifications of this are that evidence garnered from a private search can be used against you, even if it was conducted against your will.

In the event that a private search yields evidence in your case, your Sacramento criminal defense attorney will thoroughly investigate the matter. He may be able to argue Fourth Amendment protections if an officer assisted during the search or if the private party conducting the search was doing so to provide evidence to the district attorney or other government agent.

Privacy

You may also inadvertently yield your right to privacy if you abandon property. For instance, throwing an item into the trash has been successfully argued as a relinquishing of privacy rights. Keep in mind, though, that such relinquishment may be contested. The burden of proof of abandonment rests with the government.

For Legal Assistance

If you are facing criminal charges, it is very important that you hire an experienced Sacramento criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your rights. Call Param Pabla to schedule a consultation today, at (916) 285-7900.

Client Reviews
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“Param was excellent in my court case of failure to stop at a stop sign. The officer could not see clearly because he was too far away. The officer insisted he could and said he had video but could not produce it at the trial. The officer then asked if he could suspend the trial to go get the video but the judge said he should have had plenty of time to get the video ready beforehand. Needless to say, the judge ruled in my favor and dismissed the case which enraged the officer. Pabla Param’s defense and cross examination skills were excellent and paramount in having the case dismissed. Highly recommended.” T.C.
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