Although there are notable exceptions, the law requires law enforcement officers to obtain a warrant before conducting a search. In Ontario, police must supply a justice of the peace with detailed information about the location they want to search. They must provide enough information to justify the invasion of privacy that a government search entails. If the justice determines that the police have reasonable and probable grounds to conduct a search, he will issue a search warrant.

The law provides several important exceptions to the search warrant requirement. Under Canadian law, police can seize evidence and conduct searches in situations where doing so will preserve public safety. They can also engage in warrantless searches to prevent the destruction of evidence or in cases where illegal items, such as drugs or stolen property, are plainly visible. Additionally, an individual can consent to a warrantless search.

Dennis Reeve has over 40 years of criminal law experience. Dennis has worked hard to establish himself as a formidable litigator in court as well as an efficient negotiator on matters such as plea bargains.