Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-102
§2235 Search Warrant Procured Maliciously
Title 18 › PART I — CRIMES › CHAPTER 109 — SEARCHES AND SEIZURES › § 2235
Summary
Getting a search warrant on purpose when there is no probable cause is a crime. It can lead to a fine, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §2235
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whoever maliciously and without probable cause procures a search warrant to be issued and executed, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 630 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title XI, § 20, 40 Stat. 230). Minor changes were made in phraseology.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2002—Pub. L. 107–273 inserted “, or both” after “year”. 1996—Pub. L. 104–294 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 2235
Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102