Search Warrant Process
When magistrates issue a search warrant, they are giving a law enforcement officer authority to conduct a search to aid an official investigation. The officer seeking the search warrant must make a complaint, under oath, stating the purpose of the search to the magistrate. The complaint must be supported by a written affidavit from the officer. In issuing the search warrant, the magistrate must describe the place to be searched, the property or person to be searched for, and state that the magistrate has found probable cause to believe that the property or person constitutes evidence of a crime or tends to show that a person has committed a crime.
After a magistrate issues a search warrant, the affidavit and return are filed in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office Criminal Division.
*Please note that Court personnel are prohibited by law from giving legal advice. If you need assistance or advice, please contact Legal Aid or the Lawyer Referral Service.
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Sandi Shifflett
Criminal Division Manager
Email
703-771-5610
Hours of Operation
Holiday Closings
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mailing Address:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attention: Criminal Division
P.O. Box 550
Leesburg, VA 20178
Physical Address:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Attention: Criminal Division
18 East Market St.
Leesburg, VA 20176
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