Illegal Search and Seizure Cases in New Castle, Ohio

Law enforcement in Ohio remains focused on preventing the possession of significant amounts of controlled substances, which can lead to searches and seizures that may occur without solid evidence of a crime. It’s important to understand that arrests and charges can sometimes result from searches that were not conducted lawfully, placing individuals at risk of facing unjust penalties.

Need Legal Help? Contact a New Castle criminal lawyer

The skilled attorneys at our Youngstown Criminal Law Group are experienced in defending against drug-related charges that arise from illegal searches and seizures. They are committed to protecting you from the serious consequences of such charges. If you need a strong defense, our team is ready to help.

Understanding Probable Cause in Ohio

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and arrests. This means police must have a valid reason, known as “probable cause,” before they can arrest you, search your property, or get a warrant. Specifically, to get a search warrant for a drug-related offense, officers must show a credible belief that illegal substances are present at the location. Without probable cause, law enforcement generally cannot search your property unless you give them consent, or if they see evidence of a crime in plain view while they are lawfully present. A knowledgeable New Castle criminal lawyer can evaluate whether probable cause existed in your case.

When Are Search Warrants Not Needed in Ohio?

Ohio law permits police to conduct searches without a warrant in certain urgent situations, such as when they believe a life is in danger. These are known as “exigent circumstances.” However, any evidence that is not clearly visible and is collected without a warrant under these conditions is typically considered inadmissible in court because it was obtained unlawfully.

Courts apply strict standards when deciding what qualifies as an urgent need that justifies bypassing the warrant requirement. For example, if an officer’s suspicion of drug activity is the only reason for a warrantless search, a court may rule the search illegal. This reinforces the importance of obtaining a warrant based on lawful evidence. Our New Castle DUI lawyer team understands the nuances of these exceptions and can challenge improperly gathered evidence.

Proper Execution of Search Warrants in Ohio

In Ohio, the law requires that search warrants be issued only when there is clear probable cause. This means there must be a reasonable suspicion, supported by evidence, that illegal items are located in a very specific place. The information used to obtain a warrant must be detailed and strong enough to establish this probable cause. An experienced New Castle DUI lawyer can scrutinize the warrant and the evidence used to obtain it to ensure your rights were not violated.

Get Experienced Legal Assistance From Our group

If you or a loved one is facing charges resulting from an illegal search and seizure in Coshocton County, our legal team is prepared to defend you. A dedicated attorney will protect your rights and develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances to work toward the best possible outcome. Contact us (330) 992-3036 for a free, confidential consultation today by calling our office or filling out our online contact form. A skilled New Castle criminal lawyer is ready to assist you.