If you have been arrested and you suspect the evidence against you was obtained from an illegal search and seizure, it is important to consult with an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible. In many cases, an illegal search and seizure can lead to the suppression of key evidence or the dismissal of charges.
At Shook & Gunter, we have extensive experience handling criminal defense matters for clients throughout Dallas, Texas, and surrounding areas. We aggressively work to identify warrantless searches, defective search warrants, illegal seizures and other police misconduct that violates our clients’ rights.
The Fourth Amendment and Your Rights
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution reads:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
These words, written more than 200 years ago, govern police conduct in every criminal arrest today, from DWIs and drug possession cases to federal white collar crime and conspiracy charges.
If a court finds that an illegal search occurred, any evidence obtained from the search cannot be used against the defendant in a criminal prosecution. Furthermore, if evidence obtained from an illegal search is used to discover additional evidence, this fruit of the poisonous tree evidence can be excluded as well.
Former Prosecutors Working for You
As former supervising prosecutors, our attorneys know firsthand how an illegal search and seizure can derail a prosecution. As soon as we take a case, we begin an immediate investigation to identify errors made by police that may have violated our client’s rights. Holding them accountable for their actions not only protects our clients’ rights, but deters law enforcement officials from conducting illegal searches and seizures and violating the rights of others