Opinion ID: 1231969
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Allegations Pertaining to Falsity of Averments

Text: In Franks, the Supreme Court held that a defendant is entitled to a hearing to challenge a search warrant affidavit when he shows (1) that the affiant knowingly, intentionally, or with reckless disregard for the truth included a false statement in the affidavit, and (2) the false statement was necessary to the finding of probable cause. 438 U.S. at 155-56, 98 S.Ct. at 2676. The defendant must establish the first prong of the test by a preponderance of the evidence before the court may set the false material aside and view the affidavit's remaining content to see whether it is sufficient to establish probable cause. Id. at 156, 98 S.Ct. at 2676. If the affidavit is then insufficient to establish probable cause, the search warrant must be voided and the fruits of the search excluded to the same extent as if probable cause was lacking on the face of the affidavit. Id.