Reading A Search Warrant
Minn. Stat. 626.14 — served between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. unless a nighttime search is authorized
A search warrant issues only on probable cause, supported by affidavit, naming or describing the person, and particularly describing the property or thing to be seized and the place to be searched.
Between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. A search warrant may be served only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and says so, unless the court finds from the affidavits that a nighttime search is needed to prevent the loss, destruction or removal of the objects of the search, or to protect the searchers or the public.
A no-knock warrant lets officers enter without first loudly and understandably announcing their presence and purpose and waiting a reasonable time. A court may issue one only if specific, objective facts show probable cause that the search cannot be done while the premises are unoccupied and that the occupants present an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm.
Searching, the officer gives a copy of the warrant, and a detailed receipt for anything taken, to the person in possession, or leaves them where the property was found if no one is there.
Sources for this section (3)
- Minn. Stat. 626.08 — Search warrant: probable cause
- Minn. Stat. 626.14 — Time and manner of service; no-knock search warrants
- Minn. Stat. 626.16 — Delivery of copy of warrant and receipt
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.