Illegal Search & Seizure

Never assume that law enforcement has followed the rules. The truth is that on some occasions police officers may be guilty of illegal search and seizure. If you have been accused of a drug crime, you need to work with a lawyer who can identify whether your constitutional rights were violated and knows how to use that information to defend you.

At Lawrence, Smith and Gardner, in Fairfax, our attorneys have more than three decades of experience fighting drug charges. We know the importance of thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the arrest and the events that led up to it. We are skilled at spotting the signs of procedural errors, which may ultimately lead to dismissal of your case.

Signs Of Illegal Search And Seizure

Generally, the Fourth Amendment protects you from invasive searches by law enforcement. However, the laws surrounding search and seizure have become increasingly complex. The differences between what is legal for a police officer to do and what is illegal are sometimes very subtle. Our experience means we can recognize constitutional violations after reviewing a drug crime arrest. Some questions that we ask include:

• Did police have reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop and search a car for drugs?
• Was a home or another property searched without a warrant or consent?
• Was there probable cause to obtain a warrant to search a home or another property?
• Were the drugs found in a part of the property that was out of the scope of the warrant?

It is not your job to spot the signs of a Fourth Amendment violation. That is what we do. Even if the case against you seems strong at first, there may be weaknesses revealed upon further investigation. We are committed to helping you pursue a positive outcome.

The Law Should Not Work Against You — Contact Us To Make It Work For You

A violation of your Fourth Amendment rights could lead to the charges against you being dismissed. We have the experience you need to protect your rights before, during and after a drug arrest. Send us an email or call 703-539-5825 to discuss your case with a lawyer. We also offer free phone consultations.