The police had a warrant to search a friend I was visiting, and they searched me as well. Normally, the police can only search the person named in a warrant. Without probable cause, a police officer cannot search other persons who happen to be present at the scene of a search. A person can demand to see a warrant, and unless the officer has one can refuse the officer entry. A warrant is not always legally necessary, and a police officer may have information of which a person is unaware that allows the officer to conduct a warrantless search or make a warrantless arrest.
People are right to ask to see a warrant.
A person should stand aside, let the officer proceed and allow a court to decide later whether the officer's actions were proper. At the same time, the person should make it clear that he or she does not consent to the search. On the other hand, state laws may not authorize no-knock entries for a broad category of searches, such as searches involving drugs. Defense Strategies Plea Bargaining Pre-Sent Invest. Drug Tests Fingerprint Evid.