What to Do if Cops Come to Your House

If cops come to your house, it’s important to remain calm and be polite. You do not have to answer any questions, and you should not consent to a search of your home without a warrant.

If law enforcement officials ask to speak with you outside, you have the right to refuse. You can speak to them while safely inside your house. You also have the right to ask police officers to identify themselves by their name, badge number, rank, and police department.

Police officers are armed and some can be unnecessarily aggressive. This situation can be dangerous if not handled correctly and promptly – therefore, it’s important to know your rights and have an experienced Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer on your side.

What Circumstances May Cause Law Enforcement to Come to Your House?

Some of the circumstances that may lead to law enforcement coming to your house include:

A house party complaint

A neighbor may call the cops to complain about you having a house party. In this circumstance, the police may come to your house, but they do not have the right to enter your home without a warrant or your consent.

A domestic disturbance call

If the police receive a call about a domestic disturbance, they will likely come to your house to investigate. However, they can enter your home without a warrant or your consent. Concern that you are harming your spouse or someone else in the home is an exigent circumstance that may necessitate entry into your house without a warrant.

A noise complaint

If the police receive a noise complaint, they may come to your house to investigate. However, they cannot enter your home without a warrant or your consent.

A criminal investigation

If the police are investigating a crime, they may come to your house to talk to you. However, you are not required to answer any questions and you should not let them inside without a warrant.

What Are Your Rights in These Situations?

In all of the above situations, you have the right to remain silent and you should not consent to a search of your home without a warrant. If the police ask to speak with you outside, you have the right to refuse.

If police officers force themselves into your house and detain you, ask why you are being detained – this is part of your Miranda Rights. Furthermore, ask to speak to a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Once you have contacted your attorney, you should exercise your right to remain silent.

What if the Cop Is Aggressive or Disrespectful?

If a cop is being aggressive or disrespectful, you can ask for their name and badge number. You can also file a complaint against the officer with their department. However, in the heat of the moment, it’s best to comply and not show any aggression against the cop. If you do not handle this situation correctly, you could end up getting arrested or worse.

Do You Have to Let Cops into Your House?

No, you do not have to let cops into your house unless they have a warrant. If they don’t have a warrant, talk to them through the door and ask them to leave a business card so you can contact them later – preferably after you consult with a Nevada criminal defense lawyer. Your rights are the same whether you own or rent your home.

What if the Cops Have a Warrant?

If the cops have a warrant, you should still remain calm and polite. You can ask to see the warrant to find out what they are searching for. You should also carefully read the document to make sure that it is valid and signed.

You can follow behind the cops as they conduct their search to make sure they do not damage your property or take anything that does not belong to them. You can also ensure that they only take property included in the search warrant.

However, you should not resist or interfere with the search. You can ask the officers to leave your home once they are done.

What if the Cops Do Not Have a Warrant?

If the cops do not have a search warrant, then you should refuse to let them search your house. The Fourth Amendment protects you against unlawful search and seizure. The police may still try to search your home without a warrant or your consent. If they do, you can file a complaint against the department.

There are some situations where it may be permissible for police officers to search your house without a search warrant. These include:

• If a suspect runs into your house while the police are in pursuit, the officers may enter your house without a warrant.
• If you have been placed under arrest, the police may search your person and the immediate vicinity for weapons or evidence.
• If the police believe that you are actively destroying evidence, they may enter your house without a warrant.
• If the police believe that someone inside your house is in imminent danger, they may enter your house without a warrant.

The police may also search your home if you give them consent to do so. However, you have the right to change your mind at any time and revoke your consent.

What if the Cops Come to My House With a Warrant for Someone Else?

Again, you can ask to see the warrant to make sure it is valid. If the warrant is not for you, you should not let the cops search your house.

Get Help from an Experienced Las Vegas Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If the cops come to your house, it is important to know what to do. A Nevada criminal defense attorney from our firm can help you navigate the situation – or the aftermath – and ensure that your legal rights are protected. A lawyer can also help you file a complaint against the department if necessary.

At De Castroverde Law Firm, we know how to handle situations like these, fight for your rights, and ensure that you are treated fairly. Contact us to learn more.