Can police use evidence from an alternate address for federal charges?

Question

I tipped off the police about a suspected drug house but provided the wrong address. The police searched another address and found video recordings from that location showing controlled buys. Although no arrests were initially made, the individuals involved were charged federally two years later based on the video evidence discovered during the search. Can the police use evidence from the alternate address to justify federal charges?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In a situation like this, the police can potentially use evidence from the alternate address if the search was legally conducted. Even though the tip you provided had the wrong address, the search at the other location may have been carried out with proper authorization, such as a search warrant or consent. If the evidence found there, like video recordings, was collected lawfully, it can be used in the investigation and potentially in federal charges. 
 
However, for the evidence to be admissible in court, it must have been obtained legally. If the police had probable cause and followed the proper procedures in conducting the search, the evidence could be valid. On the other hand, if the search was done unlawfully or violated the Fourth Amendment, there may be grounds for challenging the use of that evidence in federal court. 
 
It’s important to note that even if the search wasn’t directly related to the original tip, if the evidence leads to the discovery of federal crimes, it can still support federal charges. If you have concerns about how the evidence was obtained or how it might affect the case, consulting with a lawyer would be the best way to understand your options. They can help clarify whether the evidence is legally usable and what steps you should take next.

Q: Can police use evidence from an alternate address for federal charges?