What is a "search warrant" according to the CCP?

A search warrant, as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure, is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that gives law enforcement the authority to search specific locations for evidence related to a crime. This instrument is crucial in the criminal justice system as it serves to protect individuals' Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

The process of obtaining a search warrant involves demonstrating probable cause, which requires showing sufficient evidence to warrant the belief that specific items evidence of a crime will be found at the location to be searched. The warrant details the scope of the search, including the specific premises to be searched and any items intended to be seized.

Other options such as bail agreements, directives for arrest, or plea bargaining agreements do not fall under the definition of a search warrant. Each of those documents serves different legal functions unrelated to conducting searches for evidence, thus reinforcing the importance of understanding the specific role a search warrant plays within law enforcement operations and judicial oversight.