Philadelphia Search & Seizure Attorney

Know Your Rights. Fight Illegal Searches. Suppress Bad Evidence.

When police violate your rights during a search, any evidence they find may be thrown out in court. But that only happens if you have an attorney who knows how to challenge the search. I fight to expose illegal police conduct—and use it to weaken the prosecution’s case.

At Thomas & Robbins LLC, I help clients fight back against unconstitutional searches of their homes, cars, phones, and personal belongings. If the police didn’t follow the rules, I’ll work to get the evidence tossed—and the charges dropped.

Understanding Search & Seizure in Pennsylvania

Under the Fourth Amendment, you’re protected from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. In most cases, police need a warrant, probable cause, or valid consent to legally search your property.

Illegal searches happen when:

  • Police enter a home without a warrant or valid exception
  • Officers search a vehicle without cause
  • A “consent search” is pressured or unclear
  • Phones, bags, or personal items are searched without permission or proper justification

If the search was illegal, any evidence collected may be inadmissible in court.

Search & Seizure FAQ

Your Questions Answered

  • Can the police search my home without a warrant?

    In most cases, no. Police need a valid search warrant or a legally recognized exception—like consent, emergency circumstances, or plain view. If they enter your home without meeting these criteria, any evidence they find could be thrown out in court.

  • What if I gave consent, but I didn’t really want to?

    If your “consent” was pressured, unclear, or given under threat or misunderstanding, it may not hold up in court. I’ll look closely at how the search was conducted to challenge the legality of the search and suppress the evidence if your rights were violated.

  • Can my phone be searched without a warrant?

    No—under federal and Pennsylvania law, police usually need a search warrant to access the contents of your phone. If they searched your messages, photos, or call history without one, we can file a motion to suppress that evidence.

  • Do I have to let police search my car?

    No. You have the right to refuse a search unless the officer has probable cause or other legal justification. Many people mistakenly believe they have no choice—if you were pressured into a search, I’ll fight to have that evidence excluded.