Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A surreptitious-entry search warrant is a legal document that allows law enforcement officers to secretly enter a private property without the owner's knowledge or consent. This type of warrant is used to search for evidence of a crime and collect intangible evidence, such as photographs and eyewitness information. It is also known as a covert-entry or sneak-and-peek search warrant. Information gathered during the search can later be used to support a search warrant under which physical evidence can be seized.
Definition: A surreptitious-entry search warrant is a written order from a judge that allows law enforcement officers to secretly enter a private property without the owner's knowledge or consent to search for evidence of a crime. This type of warrant is also known as a covert-entry search warrant.
Examples:
These examples illustrate how surreptitious-entry search warrants can be used by law enforcement officers to gather evidence and apprehend suspects without alerting them to their presence. However, these warrants are controversial because they can infringe on the privacy rights of property owners and occupants.