Can police search my car with a search warrant for my home, even if my car is parked on the street?

Question

Police had a search warrant for my home (its was sealed so I still am not sure why and they didnt find anything) but they grabbed my car keys and pushed my alarm until my car went off and then went outside and searched my car. Is this legal since the search warrant only had my home address on it and no one's name? I live in a townhouse and my car was parked on public street we dont have driveways so it was nto parked in front of my home

Answer 1

THis is a good one.  Cases like this go to the Supreme Court every year.  The search warrant has to conform to the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution against unreasonable searches.  The British soldiers used to barge into any American's homes whenever they felt like it.

They were supposed to show you the warrant.  If wouldn't absolutely have to include your car but it should.  I take it that the car was the trouble-spot in your mind.

Answer 2

I wouldn't argue with them.

Answer 3

First of all, you are always allowed to see the search warrant.  They should have given you a copy. If the car search was not mention within the scope of the warrant, then it is an illegal search.  What it could mean is that anything discovered from the search could be exclued from evidence against you.

Answer 4

No the search of your car was ILLEGAL. Cops break the law all the time. you should talk to a lawyer your rights where violated sue their @sses.

Answer 5

I actually just asked my brother who is an attorney.  He said that it would depend on what that search warrant covered.  You should have been given a copy of the warrant.  But, he also wanted it said that laws differ from state to state, but you should consult with an attorney any time the police are interested enough in  you to get a warrant to search your home.

Answer 6

It depends on the scope of the warrant, what was being searched for and what it included. There may be a provision that would let them search the car as if they found the keys, or any outlying buildings or sheds. If the warrant we limited to just the house and there was no further probable cause, then no, they would not be able to include the car. Talk to a lawyer, you may get an answer from just a free consult..