What civil rights do US citizens have against warrantless searches and seizures?

In the state of Virginia, as well as all other US states, US citizens have the right to certain civil rights against warrantless searches and seizures. According to the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, all citizens are protected from unreasonable search and seizures by the government, meaning that any search or seizure must be done with a valid warrant or else it will be considered unlawful. A valid warrant must be granted by a court, and it must be based on probable cause or reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed. The warrant must also detail the items to be seized, as well as the location of the search. If a warrant is not obtained, then the search and/or seizure is illegal and the evidence obtained through it may be dismissed in any court proceedings. Furthermore, the Fourth Amendment also protects citizens from what is known as “stop and frisk” searches, which are searches done on the spot without a warrant. Law enforcement must have a valid reason to conduct such searches, and the person who is being searched must be informed of their rights. Any evidence obtained through a search or seizure without a valid warrant may not be used in court. It is important for US citizens to know and understand their rights as they relate to warrantless searches and seizures in order to protect themselves and their property from unreasonable intrusions. Knowing your rights and understanding the Fourth Amendment can greatly help you in the event that you find yourself in a situation where your civil rights might be violated.

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