What Is The Plain View Doctrine?

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What Is The Plain View Doctrine?

Police officers do not need a warrant to seize contraband that is in plain view if the officer is in a place that he or she has a right to be.

EXAMPLE: Officer Doright is standing in your doorway talking to you about the weather. While talking, Officer Doright notices a bag of cocaine and a sawed-off shotgun on your couch. Officer Doright can legally seize these items without a search warrant because they are in plain view.

Other The 4th Amendment and Search Warrants FAQs

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Q: What Is Probable Cause?
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Q: What If I Agree To The Search?
A: If you voluntarily consent to a search of your home, automobile, or person, than the officer can conduct a full search without a warrant. Anything that the officer … More
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Q: Does The Fourth Amendment Protect All Searches?
A: No. Before a court will even entertain the possibility that the search in question was unreasonable, the person being searched must have had a legitimate expectation … More
Q: What Is A Plea Bargain?
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