Can the Police Track My Cell Phone?

December 5, 2022

Short Answer: It Depends!

Police tracking cell phone

When it comes to being accused of certain crimes, people often wonder whether or not members of law enforcement are able to track their cell phones. Whether they were forced to unlock their phone against their will or just believe that their phone has been tracked, navigating the ins and outs of what’s legal and what isn’t can be difficult. That’s why we’re here to help. 


If you’ve recently been charged with a crime and had your phone tracked or searched through without your consent, stick around to find out if it’s legal. 


Can the Police Force Me To Unlock My Phone? 

If you’ve recently been charged with a crime and were forced to unlock your phone against your will, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. As per the United States Supreme Court, you cannot be forced to unlock your phone without a court order. Members of law enforcement also need a warrant to track your cell phone location data. 


As technology and the data that comes along with it advances at a rapid rate, the laws that apply to these types of situations can be hard to understand without expert assistance. While there are certain cases in which members of law enforcement are able to go through your phone, it’s important to check whether or not your situation applies. 


Generally speaking, if there isn’t a warrant or court order in place, it’s against the law for the police to go through your phone. 


I’ve Been Charged With a Crime - What Next?

If you’ve been charged with a crime and were forced to unlock your phone without a court order, contact us. Without a warrant, this simply isn’t legal and requires immediate assistance from a trained professional. Here at the Law Office of Mark Nicholson, we have the expertise needed when it comes to mobile phones and criminal law. 


It’s important to know your rights and have a team of experienced attorneys on your side who are well-versed in criminal law in the area you were arrested in. As the law are complex, it is worth it to hire Mark Nicholson, he wrote a book about your rights. Attorney Mark Nicholson appreciates how stressful it can be navigating complex laws that apply to your case - he's here to help break it down for you in ways you can understand. 


Get in Touch for Indiana Legal Assistance 

Being forced to unlock your phone against your will isn’t pleasant, nor is being tracked without your consent. If you’ve been charged with a crime and believe that either of these situations applies to you, we urge you to get in touch with us to find out how we can help. Representing clients since 2009, attorney Nicholson is passionate about helping people dealing with complex criminal cases.  Call 317-667-0718 now!

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