“You have a truly sharp legal mind and your courtroom presence is among the best. I am forever grateful for your two years of hard work, dedication and service to my father's case.” — R.C.

“I give Mr. Spano the highest possible recommendation. Mr. Spano helped me navigate a somewhat unorthodox legal matter, did so quickly, and always kept me informed.”

“Thanks for taking my case and getting me a not guilty verdict. You are a great lawyer. I could not asked for anything more. Please know you hold a special place in my family's heart.” — G.B.

“Many thanks for the very professional and gentlemanly way that you conducted yourself at the trial of my son. I along with all of my family were thrilled beyond words with the outcome.” — B.B..

“Thank you for assuring me that just because a good honest person makes a mistake does not mean they have to be treated like a criminal!” — D.S.

OUR PRACTICE AREAS

Raising Illegal Search, Seizure And Warrant Questions

The Fourth Amendment makes it clear that the government is not allowed to conduct unlawful searches and seizures against citizens. You cannot be stopped for no reason and searched. This freedom is a core American value. Police generally must have a warrant to conduct a search. If your defense lawyer can show that your rights were ignored, your chances for dismissal are good.

Were your rights violated by police? Were you victimized by illegal search and seizure? Defense lawyer Michael Spano of Syracuse can tell you if you were. Call 315-350-3975.

The Necessity Of Probable Cause

There are exceptions to the warrant requirement, especially involving searches and seizures of cars and other vehicles. Police who have stopped you do not generally need a warrant. Neither do they need a warrant to search you once you have been arrested. If you agree to allow the police to search your car, you waive your Fourth Amendment rights.

When police make a search without your consent, they must be able to demonstrate that they had probable cause to make the search. This means they must have a reason to suspect that you are committing a crime, or you have committed a crime.

“One reason criminal law appeals to me is that it is the purest kind of law, rooted in your rights under our Constitution, whether you did a bad thing or not. If we do not honor people’s rights when they are committing an unpopular act, our rights mean nothing.” — Michael Spano

Search, seizure and warrant issues are among the thorniest in criminal law. Many cases, especially of drug crimes, rise or fall on the way evidence was seized at the time of arrest. Criminal defense attorney Michael Spano, himself a former prosecutor, has more than 25 years of experience pinpointing the moment when clients’ rights were violated. When this happens, dismissal or acquittal is the usual result.