What authority does TABC §101.03 authorize regarding search and seizure?

• A. The officer may search any place at any time without a warrant.
• B. Officers may conduct searches without a magistrate involvement if they suspect a violation.
• C. A magistrate may issue a warrant to search for and seize illicit beverages, containers, equipment, or vehicles used in code violations.
• D. No search warrants are ever required for illicit beverage investigations.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that search warrants in Texas alcohol code cases come from a magistrate based on probable cause. TABC §101.03 authorizes a magistrate to issue a search warrant to look for and seize illicit beverages, containers, equipment, or vehicles used in code violations. This provides a legal, neutral-arbiter-based process to obtain evidence and take contraband out of circulation, rather than allowing broad, warrantless intrusions.

That’s why the best choice is that a magistrate may issue a warrant to search for and seize those items. The other options imply warrantless, blanket searches or no magistrate involvement, which conflicts with the established need for a warrant issued by a neutral authority based on probable cause.