What Constitutes a Valid Search and Seizure?
There are situations where a search and seizure will be legal. If law enforcement has a valid search warrant, they may conduct a search in the areas the warrant specifies. If law enforcement sees evidence in plain view (such as in the front seat of a car) this does not constitute an illegal search. In that case, the person could not have expected a reasonable degree of privacy for something which was in plain view. Law enforcement may also conduct a search in some situations where they have probable cause to believe that a criminal offense is occurring (such as entering a property if they hear gunshots and noise of a fight inside.) A private security officer does not have to comply with search and seizure laws as he or she is not a government employee.
