Police officers who believe there is evidence of a crime might request to look inside the suspects’ home. However, a criminal lawyer in Salisbury, MD will recommend anyone decline this request, even if they believe they don’t have anything to hide. It’s important for the person to uphold their own rights to be free from an unlawful search.
Why Police Ask to Search a Home
Police might ask to search a home if they do not have a warrant yet or if they do not have sufficient evidence to obtain a warrant. Often, they request the chance to search a home because most people will not say no. If they are given permission to search a home, they do not have to follow the constraints of a warrant and can look anywhere in the home for the evidence they need.
Repercussions of Declining a Search
Many people do not want to decline a search because they believe it makes them look like they’re trying to hide something. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Citizens have the right to be free from an unlawful search, which means they do not have to agree to a search without a warrant. If the police have sufficient evidence that there is something they need to look for in the home, they can get a search warrant to find it. The person should not worry about the repercussions of declining a search because it is their right.
When a Warrant Is Presented
If the police have a warrant to search the property, the person must let them carry out the search. The person does have the right to see the warrant and may want to contact their lawyer for advice. They should request a copy of the warrant for their lawyer and should watch to ensure the warrant is followed during the search. The warrant will often be very specific and will detail where the officers can look.
If the police have requested to search your home for any reason, you might want to contact a criminal lawyer in Salisbury, MD as soon as possible. Do not allow the police to search your home without a warrant and, if possible, your lawyer present. For more information on how to handle a situation like this or to get advice for your own situation, contact Marc A. Zeve PA Attorney at Law.
