Expert: Robin Sexton - 7/16/2008

Question
Hi, I had a similiar incident happen to me yesterday where the police came in and bogusly searched and destroyed my house after months of harrasement. I never received a copy of the search warrant, all they gave me is a receipt of inventory that they took, which was my 2 be-be guns, and a hand made marijuana pipe that some kid left in my garage. Other than that, they completely destroyed my house on false pretence of this being a crack house. The whole thing is that it's a racist thing. The neighbors, and the police want us out because we're the only blacks and the only renters, and we're being harrassed. This has been going on for several months where me or my children cannot even walk the streets without getting harrassed by the police in our community. I wanted to know how long is a search warrant valid in the state of Minnesota?

Answer
Bernadette,

The inventory you received could be the warrant also read it carefully, they may not be required to leave a copy of the affidavit.  A search warrant is valid till the last cop leaves then they have to get another warrant.  If you suspect that this is racially motivated you may need to consult with an attorney.  If there is a NAACP contact them for some guidance.

Good luck

robin