Warning: Constant MCF_PERF_DELAY_JS already defined in /home/staging_wklaw/www/wp-config.php on line 95
Can Police Track Citizens Using GPS Devices Without a Warrant?
Aerial view of Chicago downtown skyline with tall skyscrapers and cityscape stretching to the horizon

Criminal Defense Blog

Information & Resources
Table of Contents
November 11, 2011

Supreme Court Set to Rule Whether Police can Track Citizens with GPS Devices Without a Warrant

The United States Supreme court heard oral arguments on this exact issue earlier this week. This ruling will impact every individual in the country. The government wants the court to rule that is legal to monitor any person they “suspect” may be involved in criminal activity by use of a GPS tracking device without the need for a search warrant. The hearing stems from a case where the defendant was convicted of drug sales after the police used a GPS tracking device to monitor all of the accused’s movements in his vehicle.

One of the Supreme Court Justices stated during oral argument that if the government prevails in this court case “then there is nothing to prevent the police or the government from monitoring 24 hours a day the public movement of every citizen of the United States”. However, another justice of the high court wondered whether a person should have an expectation of privacy in a world where they are on all sorts of social media exposing their private information to hundreds of people.

This ruling will be one of the most important rulings that any court can decide. The fundamental constitutional rights of all Americans to be free from government intrusion is at stake.

Where a person decides to go and for what purpose should be a decision that a person can make without fear that his movements are being watched by the government. If the police are free to track our every movement then it will dramatically change how people make decisions in their life.

If we are truly a free society with the rights of free travel and association as guaranteed in our constitution this GPS tracking must not be permitted by our Supreme Court.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Let us know?


paul wallin

AUTHOR: Paul Wallin

Paul Wallin is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Southern California. His vast experience, zealous advocacy for his clients and extensive knowledge of many areas of the law make Mr. Wallin a premiere Southern California attorney. Mr. Wallin founded Wallin & Klarich in 1981. As the senior partner of Wallin & Klarich, Mr. Wallin has been successfully representing clients for more than 40 years. Clients come to him for help in matters involving assault and battery, drug crimes, juvenile crimes, theft, manslaughter, sex offenses, murder, violent crimes, misdemeanors and felonies. Mr. Wallin also helps clients with family law matters such as divorce and child custody.

Search our site

Our California Locations
irvine
18022 Cowan # 285, Irvine, CA 92614
San Bernardino
225 W Hospitality Ln Suite 319, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Riverside
7177 Brockton Avenue Suite 339 Riverside, CA 92506
Victorville
15437 Anacapa Rd Unit 12, Victorville, CA 92392
Torrance
21151 S Western Ave #233, Torrance, CA 90501
Anaheim

1161 Raymond Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801

tustin
17592 Irvine Blvd, Tustin, CA 92780
san diego
444 W C St, #410, San Diego, CA 92101
barstow
400 S. 2nd Ave, Suite 206, Barstow, CA 92311
west covina
1619 West Garvey Ave N, #107, West Covina, CA 91790
long beach
5199 Pacific Coast Highway # 604, Long Beach, CA 90804

Follow Us

Request A Free Confidential Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

chevron-down