<P> The issue of federal warrants is determined under Title 18 of the United States Code . The law has been restated and extended under Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure . Federal search warrants may be prepared on Form AO 93, Search and Seizure Warrant . Although the laws are broadly similar, each state has its own laws and rules of procedure governing the issuance of warrants . </P> <P> Certain searches don't require a search warrant . For example, </P> <Ul> <Li> Consent: a warrant is not required a person in control of the object or property gives consent for the search . </Li> <Li> Hot pursuit of a felon (to prevent a felon's escape or ability to harm others); </Li> <Li> Imminent destruction of evidence: where evidence might be destroyed before a warrant can be properly obtained; </Li> <Li> Emergency searches: such as where someone is heard screaming for help inside a dwelling; or </Li> <Li> Search incident to arrest (to mitigate the risk of harm to the arresting officers specifically). </Li> <Li> Public safety: a warrantless search may be permissible in an emergency situation where the public is in danger . </Li> <Li> Plain view: evidence is in the plain view of law enforcement officers, from a lawful vantage point (with similar exceptions that include plain smell, where the officer detects an odor that clearly indicates the presence of contraband or criminal activity). </Li> </Ul> <Li> Consent: a warrant is not required a person in control of the object or property gives consent for the search . </Li>

When do you not need a search warrant