Were you arrested and subject to a police search and believe you were a victim of an unlawful search? Call Houston TX criminal defense lawyer Matt Horak.The Fourth Amendment protects you against illegal search and seizure. So does the Texas state constitution. A search warrant allows police to search through your belongings and property. This article will address two of those exceptions that are similar: exigent circumstances and community caretaking. A search warrant is needed whenever law enforcement officers want to conduct a search or seizure. Evidence gathered without a search warrant is subject to the "exclusionary" rule. As a general rule, the police and federal authorities must obtain a search warrant in order to conduct a search on private property. Police officers must prove probable cause to obtain a search warrant.