If the cops have a warrant to search my house, can they look anywhere?
No, not necessarily. Read the warrant carefully to see where the judge (the person who signed the warrant) is permitting the police to search and what they are permitted to seek. For example, if the warrant says the police are permitted to search your home for anti-assault weapons, they cannot open your ring box in the back of your sock drawer. The phrase used to explain this is: the police cannot look for an elephant in a matchbox. This is the general rule. However, most search warrants are so broadly written, that the police can usually get away with looking just about anywhere. The best thing to do when served with a search warrant is to sit there, don’t talk to the police while they go through your things, and call a attorney when they leave. Another good thing to do is NOT look at the place you wish they would not search.
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