Trust your legal defense to an experienced lawyer. Call 615-953-8796 (866-572-1886 toll free).

Trust your legal defense to an experienced lawyer. Call 615-953-8796 (866-572-1886 toll free).

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How to keep the police from entering your house without a warrant

The Founding Fathers of this country rebelled against the English government to establish certain basic human rights. A fundamental principle in the Constitution is protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Understanding the application of this concept can help a person keep police with no warrant out of the home.

Fourth Amendment protections

The Fourth Amendment guarantees citizens security against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers must have a valid warrant before entering someone’s home and may only search an individual’s property if they have reasonable cause.

People can protect this right by understanding how to address law enforcement who wish to enter. An occupant should be respectful to the officers but make it clear that they cannot come into the home without a warrant.

Suppose an officer insists on entering the premises without a warrant and no critical circumstances are present, such as fire or the smell of smoke. In that case, a home occupant can say, “I do not consent to your entry,” or invite them to wait outside until obtaining a proper warrant.

Exceptions

In specific scenarios, the police may enter a home without a warrant. Such cases include:

  • During life-threatening emergencies for the occupants
  • When there is probable cause to believe a serious crime is taking place
  • If evidence of a crime is on the premises
  • When pursuing a criminal suspect of a serious crime

In these cases, officers must act to protect the community’s safety. Such situations must meet high levels of scrutiny that other authorities must review later.

Constitutional protections attempt to strike a balance that preserves the freedoms of individuals and the community. By preparing to take well-thought-out action, a person may prevent law enforcement from entering a home.