Here are Three Things to Remember if The Police Want to Search Your Home

If the police come to your home and demand to search, here are three important things to remember. First, ask it they have a search warrant. Many times the police will come to a home without a warrant, and they will request consent to search. Police will often pressure a person by threatening “if you don’t consent, then we’ll come back with a warrant and tear your home apart”. Don’t fall for that. They will tear your home apart – warrant or not. Instead, politely ask them them for a copy of the warrant. If they don’t have one – don’t give consent because maybe they are bluffing, and they won’t be able to get one. Don’t make it easy for them. Remember, if they have a search warrant, that means that they can enter your home. Don’t obstruct them or refuse to let them in. If you do, you will probably end up with your door kicked in, and you may even wind up being arrested for obstruction – so don’t do it. Second, don’t make any statements, and don’t be helpful by telling them where stuff is. Many people think that if they are helpful, the police may just forget about things – they are wrong. By being “helpful” to police, you may actually be incriminating yourself by demonstrating knowledge of the items seized. Instead, just remain quiet and politely decline to answer questions and request a lawyer. Third, when the search is over – if you are arrested, don’t chat with police on the ride to the jail. When you arrive at the jail, don’t talk about your case on the jail phone – it’s recorded. Don’t talk with other inmates about your case. Once you have bonded out, don’t talk with family and friends about your case, and don’t post things on social media – the police monitor that stuff. The only person that you should be talking to about your case, is your lawyer. These tips may not help you avoid a charge, but they will help your lawyer defend you later in court.