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What do I do when the police are at my door?

What do I do when the police are at my door?

On Behalf of | Aug 15, 2022 | Criminal Defense |

“Open up! It’s the police!” It is the nightmare scenario. There are cops at your door. It sounds like they are going to break the door down, and they want in. What now?

Breathe. Today is going to be a bad day regardless of what you do. Accept that now. Your job now is just to not make your day any worse. If you already have an attorney, now is likely the time to get them on a call.

To open the door or not open the door

If this is a raid, the police will break down the door. If they say they are coming in, it is probably a raid. If they are waiting, it is likely a warrant or no warrant search. Ask if they have a warrant. If they do, it is usually a good idea to open the door because they are coming in regardless and door repairs and replacements are expensive.

If they do not have a warrant, you do not have to engage with the police or participate in their investigation. It is, generally, OK to say that you do not consent to a search, are invoking your right to remain silent and to not engage. However, keep in mind that the police do not always need a warrant to enter your home, depending on the situation. You will have to use your best judgment here to figure out what is the case.

Once they are in, they are in

Once the police breach your home, there is nothing you can do at that point. Still ask for a warrant, and make it clear you do not consent to the search. Check the warrant to make sure they are at the right house. Do not interfere with the search.

Silence

The police are going to ask you questions, remember, silence is golden, and whatever you say will be used against you.

Record everything

You are in your West Palm Beach, Florida, home, and you have every right to record the police while they are in your home, even if they threaten you. Get as much information as you can, including what they do, what they destroy, officers’ names and badge numbers and keep a list of everything they take.