When police and other law enforcement officials conduct large scale investigations, they may want to search the private property of Oregon citizens. In order to legally conduct these searches, the police must obtain a search warrant from a judicial officer. This search warrant will explain what evidence the police have that criminal activity may be taking place. It will also limit the scope of the search to a particular location and for a particular reason.
If police choose to go beyond the defined scope of the search listed in the search warrant, then evidence found in the search could be excluded from court. These protections are in place to protect citizens' right to privacy and free them from unreasonable searches and seizures.
Recently, police in Portland arrested a man on drug charges after executing a search warrant at three locations. These search warrants were obtained as part of an ongoing firearms and weapons investigation. However, police claim that while they searched the 46-year-old man's home drugs -- specifically three ounces of methamphetamine -- were found. Firearms were not found in the search.
Following the search, the man has been charged with parole violations and delivery and possession of methamphetamine charges. He faces possible federal prosecution.
People in this man's situation need to make sure their rights are protected to avoid the harsh penalties that come along with drug charges. In particular, they need to ensure that police did not overstep the boundaries created by the search warrant during the search. If police errors were made, evidence of those mistakes can be used to reduce the drug charges and the potential penalties. In some cases, the charges could be eliminated altogether.
Source: The Oregonian, "Drug arrest made after Portland police serve three search warrants," Kasia Hall, May 15, 2014
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