Dana Point, CA asked in Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for California

Q: Are the police able to get onto my phone without my passcode? What are they allowed to look at?

I was arrested and charged with two felonies a few days ago. I am a 17 year old girl and it is my first offense. I was charged with conspiracy and possession of stolen property. The police took my Apple phone and have it as evidence but their is a passcode on it. I have two questions. The first is: Are they even able to get onto my phone without my passcode? and the second question is: What are they allowed to look through? Everything or only conversations between me and the three other people involved in the crime?

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2 Lawyer Answers
William Mihrtad Paparian
William Mihrtad Paparian
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Pasadena, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The police will not be able to go through your cell phone without a search warrant issued by a Judge. If they obtain one everything on your phone will be accessible to them. You should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Andy Chen agrees with this answer

Jeffrey Vallens
Jeffrey Vallens
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Encino, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Generally, a warrant is required to access a cellular phone here in California. Once they get a warrant to search the phone, they can look at anything that leads to evidence in their case or evidence of a crime.

Andy Chen agrees with this answer

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