<P> When an individual does not possess a "reasonable expectation of privacy" that society is willing to acknowledge in a particular piece of property, any interference by the government with regard to that property is not considered a search for Fourth Amendment purposes, and a warrant is never required . For example, courts have found that a person does not possess a reasonable expectation of privacy in information transferred to a third party, such as writing on the outside of an envelope sent through the mail or left for pick - up in an area where others might view it . While that does not mean that the person has no reasonable expectation of privacy in the contents of that envelope, the Court has held that one does not possess a reasonable expectation of privacy that society is willing to acknowledge in the contents of garbage left outside the curtilage of a home . </P> <P> There is also a lowered expectation of privacy inside of motor vehicles . Although, it has also been held that, "The word' automobile' is not a talisman in whose presence the Fourth Amendment fades away and disappears ." Coolidge v. New Hampshire </P> <P> Courts have also established an "exigent circumstances" exception to the warrant requirement . "Exigent circumstances" simply means that the officers must act quickly . Typically, this is because police have a reasonable belief that evidence is in imminent danger of being removed or destroyed, but there is still a probable cause requirement . Exigent circumstances may also exist where there is a continuing danger, or where officers have a reasonable belief that people in need of assistance are present . This includes when the police are in' hot pursuit of a fleeing felon .' In this circumstance, so long as there is probable cause, police may follow the suspect into a residence and seize any evidence in plain view . </P> <P> Certain limited searches are also allowed during an investigatory stop or incident to an arrest . These searches may be referenced as refined searches . </P>

Warrantless searches and seizures can be lawful when police are in hot pursuit of a subject