Criminal Defense Lawyer Protecting Your Rights
Prosecutors would have you believe that the police and FBI agents always conduct legal searches and seizures. In my experience, they frequently get overzealous and cross the line, collecting evidence in ways that violate suspects' constitutional rights.
I'm Ralph Karsh, a Pittsburgh attorney who has been practicing criminal defense law in Pennsylvania since 1990. Since then, I have protected the rights of many clients in cases involving illegal searches and seizures. For a free consultation, contact my office today.
Carefully Examining All Relevant Issues
In every case where the prosecutors' evidence was obtained during a search or through a seizure, I conduct an independent investigation in order to determine whether any of the following issues can be used to prevent that evidence from being used against my client:
- Coerced searches: Did you freely agree to a search, or did the police officer say something to make you believe that you had no choice? If the latter, and if there was no warrant, it may be possible to get the evidence thrown out.
- Probable cause: A police officer must have probable cause before stopping a vehicle or requesting a search in the first place. I will investigate and analyze the facts of your search to determine whether there was probable cause.
- Scope of the warrant: Even when the police have a warrant to conduct a search and/or seizure, that does not mean they are allowed to search for anything and everything. They must limit their search to what is specified in the warrant, and I will hold them to this.
There are many nuances to search and seizure law. I am familiar with the law and with the typical responses of police and prosecutors when they are challenged on these issues.
Understanding the Federal and State Constitutions
Everyone in the United States has a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures under the U.S. Constitution. In Pennsylvania, people have additional rights under the state constitution and the rules of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Understanding how these different sets of constitutional law interact with each other allows me to more vigorously represent my clients. If you've been charged with a drug crime or any other crime based on a search or seizure, contact me.
