Andresen v. Maryland

A fraud unit began an investigation of suspicious real estate settlement activities. The defendant was an attorney specializing in real estate settlements. During the fraud unit’s investigation, his activities came under scrutiny, particularly in connection with a transaction involving Lot 13T in a subdivision. An extensive investigation disclosed that the defendant, acting as the settlement attorney, had defrauded the purchaser of Lot 13T.

The fraud investigators concluded that there was probable cause to believe that the defendant had committed the state crime of false pretenses. They applied for warrants to search the defendant’s office and the separate office of Mount Vernon Development Corporation, of which the defendant was incorporator, sole shareholder, resident agent and director. The application sought permission to search for specified documents pertaining to the sale and conveyance of Lot 13T. The warrant was issued.