What must law enforcement do if a search warrant is executed incorrectly?

When a search warrant is executed incorrectly, it can lead to the evidence obtained during that search being deemed inadmissible in court. This principle is rooted in the exclusionary rule, which prevents evidence collected in violation of a person's constitutional rights from being used in a legal proceeding. If the search did not adhere to the requirements set forth by law—such as lack of probable cause, improper execution, or deviation from the scope of the warrant—the courts may decide that the evidence cannot be relied upon.

This outcome is crucial in protecting individuals' rights and maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. While witnesses might be called to provide testimony about the execution of the warrant, the primary legal consequence is the potential exclusion of evidence, which can significantly impact the prosecution's case. Although it is possible that officers might face disciplinary action or criminal charges depending on the nature of the error, and a case could be subjected to dismissal for various reasons, the primary legal focus when a warrant is executed incorrectly is on the admissibility of the evidence obtained.