California search and seizure laws protect you from unreasonable police intrusion into your home, vehicles, person and other property. The Fourth Amendment's rule against unreasonable searches and seizures mean the police cannot search you or your vehicle unless one of the following is true.What Does the Fourth Amendment Mean? The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. The Fourth Amendment generally requires government officials to obtain an arrest warrant or search warrant to execute a valid search and seizure. A police officer must fill out an affidavit and present it to a neutral judge or magistrate to obtain a warrant. Ment in the federal system157 and generally in the States. Read on to find out how this critical law can make a difference in your criminal case. - Fourth Amendment: The Fourth Amendment guarantees of protection from unreasonable search and seizure (see, e.g. In general, most warrantless searches of private premises are prohibited under the Fourth Amendment, unless a specific exception applies.