What is required for a valid search and seizure in Texas?

For a valid search and seizure in Texas, the law requires either probable cause or a warrant. This standard is rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. Probable cause means there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed or that evidence related to a crime may be found in the location to be searched.

A warrant must be issued by a neutral and detached magistrate based on a sworn affidavit providing the basis for the search, which is a critical safeguard against arbitrary government action. This ensures that law enforcement has a legitimate reason, supported by evidence, before intruding on an individual’s privacy.

The other options do not satisfy these requirements. A written confession is not necessary prior to conducting a search, as it can arise from the findings of such a search. A witness statement may provide information or leads but does not alone establish the required legal threshold for a search. Likewise, a judge’s approval after the fact does not fulfill the constitutional requirements that demand a warrant or probable cause prior to the search and seizure occurring.

Thus, the correct requirement is indeed the presence of probable cause or a warrant, which aligns with constitutional protections in Texas and ensures that