We have a new infographic up courtesy of the Arizona Criminal Law Team. No offense to public defenders, but a lawyer provided by the court isn’t exactly your best chance of beating a criminal charge. View our infographic now.
What Are the Limits On Protective Sweeps?
When police are in a home due to consent, a warrant, or exigent circumstances, their actions are generally limited to the specific purpose for which they entered, and any searches not directly related to that purpose violate the Fourth Amendment. One exception is a protective sweep, which allows officers to check for additional people or immediately accessible weapons. However, as one federal court recently affirmed, officers may not automatically conduct a protective sweep in all circumstances.