Can the police search my car without a warrant?

by Aaron Black • December 21, 2011

It is possible for the police to search your car 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.

If the police have probable cause to believe there is illegal contraband in your vehicle they may be able to search it. The police are also allowed to look through the windows of your car and if they see something illegal they can search the vehicle.

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.

Every case is different. If you have been arrested and your car was searched contact an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney immediately. 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 look at my job as a check and balance on the Police, Prosecution and the Courts. I truly enjoy protecting my clients so that they don’t get convicted of a crime by the government with undue haste. My main focus is on the fact that we all have Constitutional Rights and I’m proud that I can guarantee my clients’ Rights are protected while in the court system.

Unlike many large firms that take on as many cases as possible, I will personally stand by your side to protect your constitutional rights. If your vehicle has been searched without a warrant, contact Criminal Defense Attorney Aaron Black today to discuss your case or call 480-729-1683 for a free consultation.

 

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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