A. 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:
1. Weapons or other objects used in the commission of crime;
2. Articles or things the sale or possession of which is unlawful;
3. Stolen property or the fruits of any crime;
4. Any object, thing, or person, including without limitation, documents, books, papers, records or body fluids, constituting evidence of the commission of crime; or
5. Any person to be arrested for whom a warrant or process for arrest has been issued.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter to the contrary, no search warrant may be issued as a substitute for a witness subpoena.
B. 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.
C. 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.
Code 1950, § 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.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 19.2 - Criminal Procedure
§ 19.2-52. When search warrant may issue
§ 19.2-53. What may be searched and seized
§ 19.2-53.1. Taking blood samples pursuant to search warrant; immunity
§ 19.2-55. Issuing general search warrant or search warrant without affidavit deemed malfeasance
§ 19.2-56.1. Warrant issued for search of attorney's office
§ 19.2-57. Execution and return of warrant; list of property seized
§ 19.2-58. Disposition of property seized
§ 19.2-59. Search without warrant prohibited; when search without warrant lawful
§ 19.2-59.1. Strip searches prohibited; exceptions; how strip searches conducted
§ 19.2-60. Motion for return of seized property and to suppress
§ 19.2-60.1. Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required