Virginia · Code of Virginia — Title 19.2, Criminal Procedure
Va. Code (Crim. Proc.) § 19.2-59: Search without warrant prohibited; when search without warrant lawful
What this law says, in plain English
Officers and others are prohibited from searching places, things, or persons without a warrant. Violations constitute malfeasance in office and create civil liability for damages; a second conviction requires forfeiture of office. Game and marine fisheries officers may search certain vehicles and premises without warrants, but cannot search occupied compartments or closed containers without one.
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