What is the legality of having your computer turned over to the police due to porn on the hard drive?

My friend took his computer in becasue it was acting up and the service technician was offended by the porn and turned it over to the police. What if any laws could have been broken by my friend and what can he do about the repair place and the fact they lied for the last month where the computer was. he only just found out friday that the police have the computer and have had it for almost a month. the state is Arkansas if that makes a difference

i know he can be odd but im positive it isnt child porn, or i would lock the door to the cell myself

As far as I know porn isn't illegal unless it involves minors. I don't know of any quirky local statutes that might present a problem.


He should probably consult an attorney and have that person contact the police on his behalf. More likely to get an answer that way. See if there is a group who might help for free like an ACLU division. Porn is generally protected as free speech.

If the porn was illegal under the laws of your unknown jurisdiction then your friend could be prosecuted and convicted. The police did not need a search warrant because it was handed over by someone who was not an 'agent of the State'.

If the porn was not illegal, then your friend can sue the repair shop.

Richard

Well, there would have to be something more than just mere porn to interest the police.

The shop was probably told by the polcie not to be honest and forthcoming, so he was in a jam on that point, but it gets backl to the original cause: what KIND of porn was on it?

Well, if your friend had kiddie porn, he got what he deserved. Lying is not illegal. Just ask your most famous Arkansawyer Bill C.

if you friend did porn regarding children that is very questionable...get legal advice

porn is not illegal, unless it was child porn. The tech could be sued.

They can't do a thing. Only if there is kiddie **** on there can they.