Library of Digital Search Warrants
While the authors of the warrants compiled in this library are some of the most experienced and knowledgeable in the field, this library contains search warrants that have NOT been vetted for legal or factual accuracy. Moreover, social networking platforms are always evolving and changing their products. None of the language in the sample warrants should be considered the “correct” language for any search warrant. This library is intended as a starting point in search warrant drafting only. The language should be independently verified and adapted to the facts of your investigation and the law governing your jurisdiction. Care should always be taken when using any boilerplate information. Best practices require editing language, so the search warrant and affidavit include only opinions supported by the facts of your case and reflecting the knowledge of the affiant. The more specific the opinion is to your facts and training and experience, the stronger it is.
This library was updated in April 2024. Current contact information and law enforcement guides for electronic communications services (ECSs)can be found at this link: https://www.search.org/resources/isp-list/
The search warrants compiled here have been given file names that reflect the content, year, and state where the search warrant was drafted.
This work is the result of many prosecutors and police officers. Please note that nothing in this library reflects the views or official positions of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office nor of any other prosecutor’s office or police department or organization. If it is important to contact the author of a search warrant or if you want to contribute search warrants to this library, feel free to contact howard.wise@ventura.org
Gratitude is owed to all of those who contributed to this project. Regrettably, due to the anonymity of submissions, this list does not include many of the peace officers who originally drafted the search warrants. Nonetheless, thank you to those unnamed, but not unappreciated, contributors and CDAA, Alameda County DA’s Office, Santa Clara County DA’s Office, Melinda Aiello, Tawnya Austen, Peter Austen, Dave Berger, Laura Bell David Berry, Byron Black, Mary Jo Blanchard, Angela Brunson, Alixandra Buckelew, Dawn Buff, Jim Cook, Chris Currier, Conrad Del Rosario, Amir Eskandari, Aaron Edens, Justin Fitzsimmons, Tom Flattery, Michael Galli, Cecilia Gregson, Rahul Gupta, Kathleen Hansen, Hawk Analytics, Mark Hutchins, Vishal Jangla, Johnette Jauron, Daniel Kassabian, Nathan Kouri, Marjorie Kreuzer, Kip Loving, Keith Lyon, Brendan McHugh, Kevin Metcalf, Robert Morgester, Dennis Nicewander, Zachary Okun, Michele Stuart, Andrea Todd, Dylan Weisenfels, Andrew West and James Williams.