Can you collect evidence of any crime when you have a warrant regardless of what crime you are investigating?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for related offenses
• D. Only with probable cause

Answer: (B)

Warrants are specific and limit what you may search for and seize. They authorize you to look for items that are tied to the crime or facts described in the warrant, and the seizure must stay within that scope. You can’t use a warrant as blanket authority to collect evidence of any crime you want. If you encounter something outside the stated scope, you generally need a separate warrant or a separate, valid basis to pursue it.

If you happen to notice evidence of another crime in plain view during a lawful search, you may seize it only because that discovery is lawful and the item is immediately recognizable as evidence. But you aren’t permitted to intentionally search for or seize evidence of unrelated offenses just because you have a warrant. So, the idea that you can collect evidence of any crime with a warrant is not correct.