Is hearsay acceptable in search warrants?

Is hearsay acceptable in search warrants?

• A. no
• B. only if corroborated
• C. yes
• D. only if admissible in court

Answer: (C)

Probable cause for a search warrant can be based on information from others, not just what the officer personally observes. Hearsay is acceptable in the warrant affidavit as long as the totality of the circumstances shows a fair probability that evidence or contraband is at the location. The reliability of the informant and any corroboration help, but hearsay does not have to be admissible in court for the warrant to issue. So, hearsay is allowed in the process of obtaining a search warrant.

Probable cause for a search warrant can be based on information from others, not just what the officer personally observes. Hearsay is acceptable in the warrant affidavit as long as the totality of the circumstances shows a fair probability that evidence or contraband is at the location. The reliability of the informant and any corroboration help, but hearsay does not have to be admissible in court for the warrant to issue. So, hearsay is allowed in the process of obtaining a search warrant.