Categories for Fourth Amendment

Cell phone seized as evidence in a San Antonio federal alien smuggling case.

The Star Witness in Your Pocket: Cell Phone Searches in Texas Alien Smuggling Cases

March 19, 2026 3:47 pm

Your cell phone is often the 'star witness' in federal smuggling cases. From GPS pin drops to WhatsApp messages, learn how digital evidence is used in San Antonio and Del Rio courts—and why the Supreme Court says police must 'get a warrant' before searching your device.

San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Genaro R. Cortez. Fourth Amendment Attorney.

4th Amendment Simplified

March 12, 2022 10:48 am

4th Amendment Simplified. Illegal Search and Seizure Laws in San Antonio and South Texas.

U.S. Constitution and Terry Stop-and-Frisk Procedures

Terry-Stop-and-Frisk

March 2, 2021 2:51 pm

The Fourth Amendment allows police to conduct stop-and-frisks. But there are limits to these types of searches.

A San Antonio police officer in uniform standing next to a car window during a traffic stop, representing a Fourth Amendment consent search.

Consent Searches in San Antonio, Texas — Know Your Fourth Amendment Rights

January 24, 2021 10:43 pm

San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Genaro Cortez discusses consent searches. Here's what you need to know.