Hi ! If you have a search warrant, but with a misspelled name. Does case law at the federal level exist?

Question

Asked on February 7, 2024 in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for California

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Yes, there is some relevant federal case law regarding search warrants with misspelled names. The key principles established in rulings by federal appeals courts are: 
 
- Minor spelling errors or typos in a name on a search warrant will not necessarily invalidate the warrant. Courts allow for some flexibility if names are similar enough. 
 
- However, substantial misspellings and names that are materially different could render a warrant invalid or defective if it fails to particularly describe the person or place to be searched. 
 
- Courts will look at the totality of the circumstances to determine if a misspelling was a minor, harmless error or if it was material in identifying the alleged wrongdoer. This includes looking at supporting affidavits describing the person/place. 
 
- There is no bright line rule - some courts have upheld warrants even with misspellings while others have struck them down. It's on a case-by-case basis. 
 
So in short, minor misspellings may be excused but substantial name differences could defeat probable cause under the 4th Amendment per federal precedent. Courts look at the facts of each specific case to make that judgment call. The degree of error makes a difference.

Q: Hi ! If you have a search warrant, but with a misspelled name. Does case law at the federal level exist?