Key Takeaways:
- Alabama game wardens are being sued for searching private property without warrants.
- The Alabama Constitution requires a warrant for property searches, but wardens use a state statute to bypass this rule.
- Three residents claim they were subjected to repeated privacy invasions despite no charges.
- The Institute for Justice argues that game wardens must follow constitutional rights.
Private Property Rights in Alabama Under Fire
In Alabama, a legal battle is heating up over whether game wardens can search private property without a warrant. The Alabama Constitution clearly states that government officials need a warrant based on probable cause before searching someone’s property. However, state game wardens are using a statute to ignore this rule, claiming they can enter any land as part of their duties.
Three Alabama residents—Dalton Boley, Regina Williams, and Dale Liles—are now suing the state over this practice. They say game wardens have repeatedly trespassed on their land without permission or valid reason. None of them have been charged with any hunting violations, yet the searches continue.
“This Used to Be My Peaceful Escape”
Dalton Boley lives in Killen and shares land with Regina Williams, who owns 10 acres. For years, the land was a quiet getaway for both families. But things changed when game wardens started showing up unannounced.
“This used to be a place where I could come to relax and get away from it all,” Boley said. “But now that I know someone could be snooping around, it’s hard to feel at ease.”
Boley has even faced baseless accusations from the wardens. Despite this, no charges were ever filed.
A Hunting Enthusiast Pushes Back
Dale Liles, from Muscle Shoals, owns and leases 86 acres of land filled with fields, marshes, and swamps. He uses the land to hunt with his children and grandchildren. However, his peace was disrupted in 2018 when a game warden’s truck appeared on his property.
When Liles tried to talk to the warden, the official sped away. Later, a trail camera caught another warden trespassing on his land.
Liles loves the outdoors and is even the president of his local Ducks Unlimited chapter. “I’m all about preserving wildlife,” he said. “But game wardens still need to respect people’s rights.”
He also pointed out a safety concern: wardens don’t wear bright orange clothing, making it dangerous for hunters who can’t see them.
The Legal Fight for Privacy
The Institute for Justice (IJ), a legal advocacy group, is representing the three residents in their lawsuit. According to IJ lawyer Suranjan Sen, the Alabama Constitution is clear: “If the government wants to search your property, they need a warrant based on probable cause. Game wardens are not exempt from this rule.”
The IJ argues that while the statute gives wardens broad powers to enter land, it violates the state’s constitutional protections. “The Constitution should always take precedence over any statute,” Sen said.
Why This Matters to All Alabamians
This case raises important questions about privacy rights and government overreach. If allowed, the current practice could set a dangerous precedent, allowing officials to disregard constitutional protections.
For the plaintiffs, it’s about reclaiming their sense of security. “I just want to enjoy my land without worrying about strangers showing up unannounced,” Boley said.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, reminding officials that no one is above the law—not even game wardens.
This legal battle is a reminder that protecting your rights often requires standing up, even against the government. Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds. If you’ve experienced similar issues, share your story in the comments below.