Legal Definitions - anticipatory search warrant

An anticipatory search warrant is a written order issued by a judge that allows law enforcement officers to search a specific place and seize evidence in the future. This type of warrant is based on an affidavit that shows probable cause that evidence of a certain crime will be located at a specific place in the future.

For example, if the police have reason to believe that a drug dealer will receive a shipment of illegal drugs at a specific location in the future, they can obtain an anticipatory search warrant to search that location and seize the drugs when they arrive.

It is important to note that an anticipatory search warrant is different from a blanket search warrant, which authorizes the search of more than one area, or an unconstitutional warrant that allows the seizure of everything found at a given location without specifying which items may be seized.

Overall, an anticipatory search warrant is a tool that law enforcement officers can use to gather evidence and build a case against a suspect. However, it is important that these warrants are obtained legally and with probable cause to avoid violating a person's Fourth Amendment rights.