Criminal defense: No-knock warrants in Georgia being debated

Criminal defense: Can the police enter your home unannounced if they have probable cause and a warrant? That is the issue being debated by legislators in Georgia. New legislation allows police officers to use a no-knock warrant only if they have probable cause and a judge signed their warrant. 

A no-knock warrant gives the police permission to enter a suspect’s home without any notification. This legislation has led to a serious debate by legislators and the public. Questions surround the legislation, including if a no-knock warrant violates a suspect’s privacy, and if the police should be allowed to enter someone’s home without any notification.

The Georgia Senate Judiciary Committee recently passed a bill that would prevent police officers from using no-knock warrants. In addition to this bill, legislators in the state have proposed several bills to limit or restrict the use of these warrants.

No-knock warrants and police reform have become a significant issue in Georgia and throughout the country as officer-involved shootings continue to be questioned and protested by the public.

The use of no-knock warrants could impact individuals facing criminal charges that stem from evidence obtained by law enforcement’s use of a no-knock warrant. The use of this warrant also brings into question privacy concerns since police do not have to notify residents before they enter their home if they have probable cause and a warrant signed by a judge. 

Individuals living in Georgia should be aware of the legislation surrounding no-knock warrants and the way it could affect their privacy. In addition, the use of these warrants could potentially lead to criminal charges if police use evidence obtained in their home after using a no-knock warrant.  Criminal defense attorneys at Conaway & Strickler, PC know how to make sure that warrants are valid.  

Source: WXIA, “No-knock warrant bill passes Ga. Senate Judiciary Committee,” Matthew Pearl, March 4, 2015

Please see our criminal defense blog for additional entries.