{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/19.2-53.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/19.2-53.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/19.2-53.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/19.2-53.html"}],"law_id":58231,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58231,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-53","catch_line":"What may be searched and seized","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 19.1-84; 1960, c. 366; 1962, c. 519; 1966, c. 363; 1970, c. 650; 1974, c. 113; 1975, c. 495; 1981, c. 559; 2015, c. 501; 2017, cc. 233, 242; 2024, cc. 523, 571; 2025, c. 345.","full_text":"A\n\nSearch warrants may be issued for the search of or for specified places, things, or persons, and seizure therefrom of the following things as specified in the warrant:1\n\nWeapons or other objects used in the commission of crime;2\n\nArticles or things the sale or possession of which is unlawful;3\n\nStolen property or the fruits of any crime;4\n\nAny object, thing, or person, including (i) documents, (ii) books, (iii) papers, (iv) records, (v) body fluids, or (vi) electronic records stored within or outside the Commonwealth of a commercial enterprise, whether a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation, that is transacting or has transacted any business in the Commonwealth, constituting evidence of the commission of crime; or5\n\nAny person to be arrested for whom a warrant or process for arrest has been issued.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no search warrant may be issued as a substitute for a witness subpoena.B\n\nAny search warrant issued for the search and seizure of a computer, computer network, or other device containing electronic or digital information shall be deemed to include the search and seizure of the physical components and the electronic or digital information contained in any such computer, computer network, or other device, except information for which a search warrant is prohibited by § 19.2-60.2.C\n\nAny search, including the search of the contents of any computer, computer network, or other device conducted pursuant to subsection B, may be conducted in any location and is not limited to the location where the evidence was seized.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":213381,"text":"Search warrants may be issued for the search of or for specified places, things, or persons, and seizure therefrom of the following things as specified in the warrant:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":213382,"text":"Weapons or other objects used in the commission of crime;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":213383,"text":"Articles or things the sale or possession of which is unlawful;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":213384,"text":"Stolen property or the fruits of any crime;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":213385,"text":"Any object, thing, or person, including (i) documents, (ii) books, (iii) papers, (iv) records, (v) body fluids, or (vi) electronic records stored within or outside the Commonwealth of a commercial enterprise, whether a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation, that is transacting or has transacted any business in the Commonwealth, constituting evidence of the commission of crime; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":213386,"text":"Any person to be arrested for whom a warrant or process for arrest has been issued.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no search warrant may be issued as a substitute for a witness subpoena.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B"},"6":{"id":213387,"text":"Any search warrant issued for the search and seizure of a computer, computer network, or other device containing electronic or digital information shall be deemed to include the search and seizure of the physical components and the electronic or digital information contained in any such computer, computer network, or other device, except information for which a search warrant is prohibited by § 19.2-60.2.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"C"},"7":{"id":213388,"text":"Any search, including the search of the contents of any computer, computer network, or other device conducted pursuant to subsection B, may be conducted in any location and is not limited to the location where the evidence was seized.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15295,"edition_id":1,"name":"Search Warrants","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12801,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:53:43","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:53:43","permalink":{"id":170799,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15295,"identifier":"5","token":"19.2\/5","url":"\/19.2\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12801,"edition_id":1,"name":"Criminal Procedure","identifier":"19.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":168169,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12801,"identifier":"19.2","token":"19.2","url":"\/19.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":68842,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-52","catch_line":"When search warrant may issue","url":"\/19.2-52\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-52","metadata":false},{"id":58231,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-53","catch_line":"What may be searched and seized","url":"\/19.2-53\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-53","metadata":false},{"id":72318,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-53.1","catch_line":"Taking blood samples pursuant to search warrant; immunity","url":"\/19.2-53.1\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-53.1","metadata":false},{"id":78769,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-54","catch_line":"Affidavit preliminary to issuance of search warrant; general search warrant prohibited; effect of failure to file affidavit","url":"\/19.2-54\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-54","metadata":false},{"id":77621,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-55","catch_line":"Issuing general search warrant or search warrant without affidavit deemed malfeasance","url":"\/19.2-55\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-55","metadata":false},{"id":71614,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-56","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) To whom search warrant directed; what it shall command; warrant to show date and time of issuance; copy of affidavit to be part of warrant and served therewith; warrants not executed within 15 days","url":"\/19.2-56\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-56","metadata":false},{"id":66575,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-56.1","catch_line":"Warrant issued for search of attorney's office","url":"\/19.2-56.1\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-56.1","metadata":false},{"id":68042,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-56.2","catch_line":"Application for and issuance of search warrant for a tracking device; installation and use","url":"\/19.2-56.2\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-56.2","metadata":false},{"id":66408,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-57","catch_line":"Execution and return of warrant; list of property seized","url":"\/19.2-57\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-57","metadata":false},{"id":82680,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-58","catch_line":"Disposition of property seized","url":"\/19.2-58\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-58","metadata":false},{"id":84564,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-59","catch_line":"Search without warrant prohibited; when search without warrant lawful","url":"\/19.2-59\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-59","metadata":false},{"id":73054,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-59.1","catch_line":"Strip searches prohibited; exceptions; how strip searches conducted","url":"\/19.2-59.1\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-59.1","metadata":false},{"id":59469,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-60","catch_line":"Motion for return of seized property and to suppress","url":"\/19.2-60\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-60","metadata":false},{"id":82227,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-60.1","catch_line":"Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required","url":"\/19.2-60.1\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-60.1","metadata":false},{"id":66247,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-60.2","catch_line":"Issuance of search warrant, subpoena, court order, or other process for information related to menstrual health data prohibited","url":"\/19.2-60.2\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-60.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":68842,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-52","catch_line":"When search warrant may issue","url":"\/19.2-52\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-52","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":72318,"structure_id":15295,"section_number":"19.2-53.1","catch_line":"Taking blood samples pursuant to search warrant; immunity","url":"\/19.2-53.1\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-53.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/19.2-53\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 366; in 1962, chapter 519; in 1966, chapter 363; in 1970, chapter 650; in 1974, chapter 113; in 1975, chapter 495; in 1981, chapter 559; in 2015, chapter 501<\/a>; in 2017, chapters 233<\/a> and 242<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 523<\/a> and 571<\/a>; in 2025, chapter 345<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":72318,"section_number":"19.2-53.1","catch_line":"Taking blood samples pursuant to search warrant; immunity","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-53.1\/"},{"id":71614,"section_number":"19.2-56","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) To whom search warrant directed; what it shall command; warrant to show date and time of issuance; copy of affidavit to be part of warrant and served therewith; warrants not executed within 15 days","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-56\/"},{"id":82680,"section_number":"19.2-58","catch_line":"Disposition of property seized","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-58\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":170805,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58231,"identifier":"19.2-53","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-53","url":"\/19.2-53\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/19.2-53\/","token":"19.2\/5\/19.2-53","dublin_core":{"Title":"What may be searched and seized","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 19.2-53","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Search warrants<\/span> may be issued for the search of or for specified places, things, or persons, and seizure therefrom of the following things as specified in the warrant: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Weapons or other objects<\/span> used in the commission of crime<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Articles or things the sale or possession<\/span> of which is unlawful; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Stolen property or the fruits of any crime<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Any object<\/span>, thing, or person, including (i) documents, (ii) books, (iii) papers, (iv) records, (v) body fluids, or (vi) electronic records stored within or outside the Commonwealth of a commercial enterprise, whether a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation, that is transacting or has transacted any business in the Commonwealth, constituting evidence<\/span> of the commission of crime<\/span>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Any person to be arrested for whom a warrant or process for arrest<\/span> has been issued.\n\t\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no search warrant<\/span> may be issued as a substitute for a witness<\/span> subpoena<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any search warrant<\/span> issued for the search and seizure<\/span> of a computer, computer network, or other device containing electronic or digital information shall be deemed to include the search and seizure<\/span> of the physical components and the electronic or digital information contained in any such computer, computer network, or other device, except information for which a search warrant<\/span> is prohibited by § 19.2-60.2<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any search, including the search of the contents of any computer, computer network, or other device conducted pursuant to subsection B, may be conducted in any location and is not limited to the location where the evidence<\/span> was seized. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nWHAT MAY BE SEARCHED AND SEIZED (\u00a7 19.2-53)\n\nA. Search warrants may be issued for the search of or for specified places,\nthings, or persons, and seizure therefrom of the following things as specified\nin the warrant:\n\n 1. Weapons or other objects used in the commission of crime;\n\n 2. Articles or things the sale or possession of which is unlawful;\n\n 3. Stolen property or the fruits of any crime;\n\n 4. Any object, thing, or person, including (i) documents, (ii) books, (iii)\n papers, (iv) records, (v) body fluids, or (vi) electronic records stored\n within or outside the Commonwealth of a commercial enterprise, whether a\n domestic corporation or a foreign corporation, that is transacting or has\n transacted any business in the Commonwealth, constituting evidence of the\n commission of crime; or\n\n 5. Any person to be arrested for whom a warrant or process for arrest has been\n issued.\n \t\t\t\tNotwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no\n search warrant may be issued as a substitute for a witness subpoena.\n\nB. Any search warrant issued for the search and seizure of a computer, computer\nnetwork, or other device containing electronic or digital information shall be\ndeemed to include the search and seizure of the physical components and the\nelectronic or digital information contained in any such computer, computer\nnetwork, or other device, except information for which a search warrant is\nprohibited by § 19.2-60.2.\n\nC. Any search, including the search of the contents of any computer, computer\nnetwork, or other device conducted pursuant to subsection B, may be conducted in\nany location and is not limited to the location where the evidence was seized.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 19.1-84; 1960, c. 366; 1962, c. 519; 1966, c. 363; 1970,\nc. 650; 1974, c. 113; 1975, c. 495; 1981, c. 559; 2015, c. 501; 2017, cc. 233,\n242; 2024, cc. 523, 571; 2025, c. 345.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}