Can my car be searched without a warrant in Phoenix?

by Aaron Black • April 03, 2016
I get this question from time to time and yes, in certain circumstances the police can search your car without a warrant. If they have probable cause to believe that there is illegal contraband in your vehicle they are allowed to look through the windows of the vehicle and if they see something illegal they can legally do a search without a warrant.

In the past the police had to make an arrest before they could be legally be authorized to search a vehicle. A Supreme Court case ruling in 2009 changed all of that.

The police still must have probable cause to believe that there is something illegal in the car however, they must obtain a warrant if no urgent circumstances exist. Also, if you find yourself in a situation where your car gets towed they will automatically conduct an inventory search prior to it being towed which documents what is in your car before it’s taken to the impound lot. So rest assured if they tow your car, it will and can legally be searched.

Of course every case is different and I strongly encourage you to seek legal counsel with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Phoenix. Seeking counsel could mean the difference between possibly getting a dismissal of your case to keeping you out of jail.

If you have been arrested and your car was searched without a warrant, please consider contacting the Law Office of Aaron Black. I have built my career defending clients accused of criminal offenses in Phoenix and I understand that facing charges can be complicated and a confusing event in your life. I will personally stand by your side to protect your constitutional rights.

If your vehicle has been searched without a warrant, click here to contact Aaron today to discuss your case.
 
 

About the Author

Aaron Black is the founder and sole attorney of the Law Office of Aaron Black. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, his DUI and criminal defense law firm provides legal services to people who have received felony or misdemeanor charges from the state.

Aaron has developed a strong interest in defending people who have been arrested and received criminal charges for driving under the influence. With his professionalism and knowledge of Arizona DUI and criminal law, he has acted as a check and balance on the police, prosecution and courts and has protected a great number of his clients from excessive and unfair sentencing.

Along with DUI defense, Aaron handles a range of other criminal matters, including aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, fraud defense, insurance fraud, sex crimes and white-collar crime.

After graduating college in 2003 from the University of Arizona, Aaron decided to pursue a law degree. He followed a family long tradition and went to the University of South Dakota School of Law where he pursued his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer.

After passing the Arizona and South Dakota bar exams, Aaron joined the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender where he defended hundreds of people charged with serious criminal offenses. His work as a public defender helped him sharpen his litigation skills and gave him a unique insight into the Arizona criminal justice system.

Over the course of his 15-year legal career, Aaron has spent a considerable amount of time in both Arizona justice, municipal, state and federal courts. He has argued over 50 jury trials, tried over 100 bench trials and has become one of the highest-rated criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. He has received a 10/10 rating from the legal directory Avvo because of his legal background and successful case record. Since 2014, he has received the Super Lawyer rating for his work as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.

You can review Aaron’s Attorney Bio page for more information about his background, education and experience as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
 
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