A federal search warrant is a document that allows law enforcement officers to search a property, building, vehicle, or in some cases, a specific electronic device or account (e.g., cell phones and email accounts). A search warrant is signed by a federal judge after a law enforcement officer submits an application or affidavit explaining why there is probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be located at the search location.
If officers search your home or workplace, it normally means that they believe you committed a crime and that they are attempting to gather evidence to support their belief. During the execution of the search warrant, officers will usually attempt to interview the people present in order to get them to confess or make admissions.
Hiring a federal criminal lawyer during a search or shortly thereafter can ensure that you do not incriminate yourself and that law enforcement does not seize anything beyond what is described in the warrant. A defense lawyer can also work with the prosecutor overseeing the investigation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you take advantage of any opportunity to prevent criminal charges from being filed.
