Opinion ID: 1870501
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: was the search warrant valid?

Text: The Barretts contend that the search warrant was illegal because it was not accompanied by a proper sworn affidavit containing the underlying facts and circumstances for the search warrant. The Barretts claim there was no sworn affidavit. The Barretts also assert that the property was homestead property owned and controlled by them both, and therefore both of their names had to appear on the warrant. There is no statute or case law that requires that the affidavit must be attached to the search warrant, so as to make the search warrant invalid if the affidavit is absent. In regard to the contention that the warrant was void because Mrs. Barrett was not named in it, the Fourth Amendment does not require a search warrant to name the person who is in possession of the premises to be searched. U.S. v. Logan, 744 F. Supp. 735, 741 (N.D.Miss. 1990). Mr. Barrett's name was listed as a means of describing the property. This Court has stated: Descriptions in search warrants need not be positively specific and definite, but are sufficient if the places and things to be searched are designated in such a manner that the officer making the search may locate them with reasonable certainty. Hamilton v. State, 556 So.2d 685, 689 (Miss. 1990); Cole v. State, 237 So.2d 443 (Miss. 1970). As to the validity of the search warrant itself, the Barretts contend that there was never a valid sworn affidavit containing the necessary underlying facts and circumstances to support the warrant. The deputies state in their affidavits that the warrant was obtained after completing affidavits and testifying truthfully before an independent magistrate. Oral testimony can supplement an affidavit for a search warrant. Hester v. State, 463 So.2d 1087, 1089 (Miss. 1985); Prueitt v. State, 261 So.2d 119 (Miss. 1972). A search warrant may only be issued when the police have demonstrated probable cause by introducing evidence of underlying facts and circumstances before the magistrate granting the warrant. Branch v. State, 347 So.2d 957, 958 (Miss. 1977). Probable cause exists when facts and circumstances within an officer's knowledge, or of which he has reasonable trustworthy information, are sufficient within themselves to justify a man of average caution in the belief that a crime has been committed and that a particular person committed it. Bevill v. State, 556 So.2d 699, 712 (Miss. 1990). The affidavit is the means of presenting to the issuing magistrate a basis upon which he may determine whether in fact probable cause exists. Bevill, 556 So.2d at 712. In reviewing a magistrate's finding of probable cause, this Court does not make a de novo determination of probable cause, but only determines if there was a substantial basis for the magistrate's determination of probable cause. Smith v. State, 504 So.2d 1194, 1196 (Miss. 1987). The Barretts at no time presented detailed, precise facts to support the contention that there was not an initial affidavit of underlying facts and circumstances. Their affidavits in opposition to the motion for summary judgment were mere denials of the assertion that there was an affidavit. The Barretts establish no specific facts to show that the magistrates did not have a substantial basis for issuing the warrant. The finding that the search warrant was legal and valid is affirmed.