What happens to evidence collected during an unlawful search?

The evidence collected during an unlawful search is generally deemed inadmissible in court due to the exclusionary rule. This legal principle is designed to deter law enforcement from conducting illegal searches and seizures by preventing any evidence obtained in violation of a person's Fourth Amendment rights from being used in a trial.

The rationale behind this rule is rooted in the belief that allowing such evidence would condone and encourage illegal practices by law enforcement, undermining the integrity of the judicial process. Therefore, if evidence is collected unlawfully, it cannot typically be presented against the accused in court.

While there may be exceptions in certain situations where evidence could be deemed admissible, these are rare and usually involve specific circumstances that aren't generally applicable. The prevailing legal standard is that evidence obtained unconstitutionally is inadmissible, aligning with the protections guaranteed under the Constitution.