Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students will learn how to gather critical evidence in preparation for a search warrant application, and how to draft legal documents that will withstand defense attacks to suppress evidence. Emphasis will be placed on the actual application and execution process: the supervisor’s review, DA’s review, the Court’s expectations, affirmation under oath, signage of the documents, execution and service of the warrant, return of the warrant, and surviving defense attacks to the warrant.

Effectively investigate criminal offenses with a focus on gathering critical information for the warrant application process
Draft search and seizure affidavits and judicial orders for a variety of criminal offenses and situations
Organize and utilize information to create key documents in a way that will present the least chance for successful evidentiary challenges during motions to controvert or suppress

The materials in this course will be presented in lecture, writing and discussion format. The instructor will use power point presentations, in and out-of-class writing assignments, and role playing scenarios. The instructor may use videos, legal updates, or guest speakers.

Assessment may include in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, along with student participation in, and contribution to, all class and group discussions.

Federal and State Constitutions
State Statutes
Local Judicial Rules
Relevant Legal Case-law
Exceptions to the warrant requirement
Search Warrant Checklist
Statement of Probable Cause (e.g. Nexus, Informants, Basis of Knowledge, exculpatory information)
Execution/Service of the Warrant (e.g. Knock and Announce, Special Endorsements)
Motions to Controvert and Motions to Suppress