What documentation must accompany a search warrant request?

The correct answer is a written affidavit detailing the search need. This documentation is crucial because it serves as the foundation for the search warrant request. An affidavit is a sworn statement made by a law enforcement officer or other individual with knowledge of the facts surrounding the case. It provides the judge with the necessary information to determine whether probable cause exists for issuing the search warrant. This includes evidence of a crime, the specific location to be searched, and the items that are expected to be found.

Other forms of documentation, such as previous convictions, lists of witnesses, or photos, are not required to accompany a search warrant request. While prior convictions might be relevant in some cases, they do not specifically inform the court about the need for the search warrant itself. Likewise, witness lists could be useful for other legal proceedings, but they do not pertain to the requirements for issuing a search warrant. Photos of the property might provide context but are not essential components of the affidavit needed for the warrant. The emphasis is on establishing probable cause through the affidavit, making it a critical part of the search warrant process.