Government action, and inevitable government overreach, almost always starts with an admirable goal. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is one of the most important protections in American law. It shields people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, even when the government thinks it is acting righteously. The 4th Amendment requiresContinue reading “The Next Frontier of Fourth Amendment Law: A Dimming Line Between Private Companies and Government Agents”
Tag Archives: Search Warrants
A Secret Weapon Many Defense Attorneys Overlook: Lange v. California
When defending clients against unlawful police searches and seizures, one recent U.S. Supreme Court case stands out to me as both influential and underutilized – Lange v. California (2021). I don’t think the defense bar is fully leveraging its implications in the courtroom. What Happened in Lange v. California? The case began when a California Highway Patrol officerContinue reading “A Secret Weapon Many Defense Attorneys Overlook: Lange v. California”
Montgomery County Dog Search Law: What Pettit v. State Means for Passenger Rights
I’ll just come right out and say it – I love working on and reviewing K-9 dog sniff cases. I helped to write Law for the Dog during my time as a prosecutor. I just love dogs. So, one of the most interesting court decisions of 2025, in my opinion, came down from the Texas Court ofContinue reading “Montgomery County Dog Search Law: What Pettit v. State Means for Passenger Rights”
Hardridge: Texas Higher Court Affirms That Affidavit Without Verbal Oath Invalidates Search Warrant
In a significant ruling for Texas criminal defense, the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas recently affirmed that an affidavit supporting a search warrant must be sworn under oath before a qualified officer or magistrate. An officer simply signing the document is not enough. The case, State v. Hardridge, serves as a powerful reminder of theContinue reading “Hardridge: Texas Higher Court Affirms That Affidavit Without Verbal Oath Invalidates Search Warrant”