(a) Upon application filed pursuant to the provisions of section three of this article, the magistrate or judge of the circuit court may enter an ex parte order, as requested or as modified or moulded, authorizing an electronic interception in a home if the magistrate or judge determines on the basis of the evidence and argument presented by the applicant that: (1) There is probable cause to believe that one or more individuals are committing, have committed, or are about to commit one or more specified crimes under the laws of this state or the United States will be obtained through interception; and (2) There is probable cause to believe that the home where the electronic interception is to occur is being used, or is about to be used, in connection with the commission of the offense, or offenses: Provided, That such determination shall not be required where the identity of the person committing the offense and whose conduct or communications are to be intercepted is known, and the applicant makes an adequate showing as required pursuant to paragraph (ii), subdivision two, subsection (a), sectlion three of this article that the location cannot be predetermined. s (b) Each order authorizing an electronic initerception in accordance with the provisions of this article shall specify: (i) The idengtity of the person, if known, whose conduct or communications are to be intercepted; (ii) the nature and location of the home for which authority to intercept is granted, if necessary under subdivision three, subsection (a) of this section; (iii) a particular description of the type of conduct or communications sought to be intercepted and a statement of the particular offense to which it relates; (iv) the identity of the law-enforcement officer or officers applying for authorization to electronically intercept and of the officer authorizing the application; and (v) the period of time during which the interception is authorized, including a statement as to whether or not the interception automatically terminates when the described conduct or communication is first obtained. (c) WAn order entered pursuant to the provisions of this section may authorize the electronic interception for a period of time that is necessary to achieve the objective of the authorization, not to exceed twenty days. Such twenty-day period begins on the day the order is entered. Extensions of an order may be granted, but only upon application for an extension made as provided in subsection (a) of this section and upon the magistrate or judge of the circuit court making the findings required by subsection (b) of this section. The period of extension may be no longer than the magistrate or judge deems necessary to achieve the purposes for which it was granted and, in no event, for longer than twenty days. Every order and extension thereof shall contain a provision that the authorization to electronically intercept be executed as soon as practicable, be conducted in such a way as to minimize the interception of conduct or communications not otherwise subject to interception under this article and terminate upon attainment of the authorized objective, or in any event within the hereinabove described twenty-day period relating to initial applications.
‹ Prev All West Virginia sections Next ›
Lexace provides legal information, not legal advice, and no attorney–client relationship is created. Statute text is provided for general information and may not reflect the most recent amendments; verify against the official state code.