# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 3A: Time for return of search warrant

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S3A

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 3A
- **Heading:** Time for return of search warrant
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part IV / Title II / Chapter 276 / Section 3A

## Text

Section 3A. Every officer to whom a warrant to search is issued shall return the same to the court by which it was issued as soon as it has been served and in any event not later than seven days from the date of issuance thereof, with a return of his doings thereon; provided, however, that a justice of the superior court may at any time receive complaints and issue search warrants returnable in seven days before a district court named in such warrant and in that event the officer shall make his return to such district court as directed.

Section 3A. Every officer to whom a warrant to search is issued shall return the same to the court by which it was issued as soon as it has been served and in any event not later than seven days from the date of issuance thereof, with a return of his doings thereon; provided, however, that a justice of the superior court may at any time receive complaints and issue search warrants returnable in seven days before a district court named in such warrant and in that event the officer shall make his return to such district court as directed.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 1 Complaint for issuance of search warrant; warrant for designated property or articles; search incident to arrest; documentary evidence subject to privilege](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 1A Search warrants for articles belonging to subversive organizations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S1A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 1B Search warrants for records possessed by foreign corporations providing electronic communication or remote computing services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S1B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 2 Requisites of warrant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 2A Form of warrant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S2A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 2B Affidavit in support of application for search warrant; contents and form](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S2B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 2C Manner of issuing search warrants; application of Secs. 2, 2A and 2B](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S2C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 2D No-knock warrants; criteria; execution of search warrants at a residence; remedy for violations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S2D.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 3 Seizure, custody and disposition of articles; exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 3A Time for return of search warrant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S3A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 4 Notice before forfeiture of property seized under search warrant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 5 Service of notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 6 Postponement of trial; further notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 276, sec. 7 Sale or destruction of property seized; disposition of proceeds](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S7.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIV_TII_C276_S3A. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.