Q: Can police or marshalls raid all known associates of someone they are looking for in early morning hours without showing
A warrant at anytime to the residents they raided?
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A:
Police or marshals cannot legally raid all known associates of a person they are looking for without showing a warrant. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring law enforcement to have a warrant issued by a judge based on probable cause. If officers conduct a raid without presenting a warrant, the search may be considered unlawful.
During a raid, officers must provide the warrant to the residents at the time of the search. This document details the scope and justification for the search, ensuring that law enforcement is held accountable for their actions. Without presenting the warrant, the evidence obtained during the raid could be inadmissible in court.
If you experience a raid without being shown a warrant, you have the right to ask to see it and should document the event thoroughly. It's crucial to remain calm and cooperative while asserting your rights. If you believe the raid was unlawful, you may want to seek legal assistance to address the situation.
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