When is a criminal search warrant typically issued?

A criminal search warrant is typically issued only upon a showing of probable cause. This means that law enforcement must present sufficient evidence to a judge or magistrate indicating that a crime has likely been committed and that evidence of that crime can be found in the location specified in the warrant. The requirement of probable cause is a critical legal standard that helps protect individuals' rights against unreasonable searches and seizures, in accordance with the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

This standard ensures that warrants are not issued lightly or without substantial justification, thereby maintaining a balance between law enforcement duties and individual privacy rights. Probable cause can be established through various means, including witness statements, physical evidence, or expert testimony, all of which must collectively convey a clear basis for suspicion.

In contrast, the other options do not necessarily align with the legal requirements or practical processes involved in obtaining a search warrant. Media reports, the absence of witnesses, or the status of initial fire investigations alone do not suffice to establish the necessary probable cause needed for a warrant.