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

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.

2

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?

Sounds like a virus, try to put your restore disk and then start it up. If nothing happens then you need to take it to a computer shop where they know what they are doing.

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

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

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

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