Section 201. Purpose of Warrant

A search warrant may be issued to search for and to seize:

(1) contraband, the fruits of a crime, or things otherwise criminally possessed; or

(2) property that is or has been used as the means of committing a criminal offense; or

(3) property that constitutes evidence of the commission of a criminal offense.

Comment

Concerning the provisions of paragraph (1) see United States v. Rabinowitz, 339 U. S. 56 (1950), overruled as to other points, Chimel v. California, 395 U. S. 752, 786 (1969). Also compare, Cooper v. California, 386 U. S. 58 (1967), with One 1958 Plymouth Sedan v. Pennsylvania, 380 U. S. 693 (1964).

Warrants may not be issued unless the affidavit alleges a pre-existing crime. See United States ex. rel. Campbell v. Rundle, 327 F.2d 153, 161 (3rd Cir. 1964), followed sub nom. Commonwealth ex rel. Ensor v. Cummings, 207 A.2d 230 (Pa. 1965) and Commonwealth ex rel. Campbell v. Russell, 207 A.2d 232 (Pa. 1965). The Third Circuit’s opinion cited with approval Commonwealth v. Patrone, 27 D&C 2d 343 (Philadelphia Co. 1962); Commonwealth v. Rehmeyer, 29 D&C 2d 635 (York Co. 1962); and Simmons v. Oklahoma, 286 P.2d 296, 298 (Okla. Cr. 1955).

Concerning the provisions of paragraph (3), see Warden v. Hayden, 387 U. S. 294 (1967).

Official Note

Rule 2002 adopted March 28, 1973, effective 60 days hence; renumbered Rule 201 and amended March 1, 2000, effective April 1, 2001.

Committee Explanatory Reports:

Final Report explaining the March 1, 2000 reorganization and renumbering of the rules published with the Court’s Order at 30 Pa.B. 1477 (March 18, 2000).