When conducting a search warrant, what can be seized if found in plain view?

When conducting a search warrant, items that are found in plain view can be seized if they are believed to afford evidence of an offense. This principle is essential because it allows law enforcement officers to take action on discoveries that are immediately apparent during a lawful search. The "plain view" doctrine holds that if officers are in a location where they have a right to be and they see something suspicious or relevant to an investigation, they can seize it without a separate search warrant.

This principle enhances the efficiency of law enforcement, allowing officers to gather evidence that may not be explicitly listed in the search warrant but is nonetheless pertinent to a criminal investigation. Items that might be seized could include illegal substances, stolen property, or any other evidence that indicates a crime is taking place or has occurred.

In contrast, the first option limits the scope to only what is mentioned in the search warrant, potentially missing critical evidence. The second option misassumes that only items tied to previous offenses can be seized, while the last one unnecessarily narrows the scope to weapons, overlooking many other relevant forms of evidence that might assist in an ongoing investigation.