Hiding Evidence In Stacey's Case

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In the case, whereas, Stacey is a suspect in an embezzlement investigation; the police believes she is hiding evidence in her neighbor’s home. Yes, law enforcement officer can obtain a search, under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, police may engage in "reasonable" searches and seizures. (FindLaw, 2017) However, the police must obtain a warrant of an affidavit for probable cause from a judge. The officer in Stacey’s case had the reason of suspicion to believe Stacey was hiding evidence upon being investigated. Depended on the exigent circumstances a search may be conducted with or without a warrant. The fact that Stacey’s neighbor refuses to consent, the officer will have to obtain a search warrant. The police may not perform a warrantless search anywhere a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy unless one of the warrant exceptions applies. (FindLaw, 2017) In Stacey’s case, the law enforcement officers must act quickly to prevent the destruction of evidence, and the successful flight of the suspect. "Warrantless searches that occur when exigent circumstances exist are valid" (Hall, 2014, p. ) If Stacey’s neighbor does not have a private investment in the items or evidence, the police can take them into custody and, in effect, no "search" has occurred.

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