Can the Police Search Your Cell Phone Without Your Consent?
Interactions with the police can be stressful and confusing, especially when you are unaware of a police officer’s limitations under the law. For example, if you have been arrested and the police are searching for the contents of your cell phone, you may be wondering if they can freely do so without your consent. As is often the case in legal questions, the answer is that it depends. The best way to protect your rights after an arrest or search or seizure of your property is to contact a St. Louis criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. THE BASICS OF SEARCH AND SEIZURE The U.S. Constitution Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by police officers. Under the law, police officers are required to obtain a search warrant prior to conducting any search unless a legal exception applies. Some of the exceptions to obtaining a warrant include: Your voluntary consent to a search. Note that you are not required to consent to a search of your person or your pro...