7 exceptions to the fourth amendment

4th amendment

protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government

Stop and frisk

Stopping someone on the street is a detention and frisking someone’s outer clothing for weapons is clearly a “search.”

Consent

If given consent officers do not need a warrant, or probable cause or reasonable suspicion to conduct a search.  As long as the person to be searched has the proper authority to give consent

Plain view

police have the authority to seize items that are plainly visible to a police officer and clearly illegal in nature

Hot pursuit

if a cop is chasing a felony suspect, and the suspect runs into a private home, the officers are able to follow, without getting a warrant, under the hot pursuit exception.

Automobile

cops may search a car, or other motor vehicle, without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains illegal items.

Search incident to arrest

If you have been LAWFULLY arrested for anything EX: DUI then the police may execute a search of your person, clothes, anything you are carrying

Exigent circumstances

When people are in imminent danger; when evidence is about to be destroyed; or When a felony suspect is about to escape police may enter without a warrant