What type of evidence is typically required to obtain a search warrant in Utah?

To obtain a search warrant in Utah, the law requires establishing probable cause based on sworn affidavits. This means that law enforcement must provide a written statement, made under oath, that presents facts sufficient to convince a neutral and detached magistrate that a crime has been committed and that evidence of that crime can likely be found in the specific location to be searched. The emphasis on sworn affidavits is crucial because it ensures that the information presented is credible and has been subject to scrutiny, upholding the legal standards necessary to safeguard citizens' rights against unreasonable searches under the Fourth Amendment.

Other types of evidence mentioned, such as hearsay evidence or confessions from suspects, do not meet the stringent requirements for obtaining a search warrant. Hearsay lacks direct reliability since it involves secondhand information, and while confessions can indeed support police investigations, they alone do not provide the necessary framework for legal search warrant issuance. Direct eyewitness testimony may be compelling but is not the sole requirement, as the need for a detailed, sworn affidavit outlining the facts remains paramount. This process serves to maintain a balance between effective law enforcement and the protection of individual liberties.