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Houston DWI Lawyer > Blog > Criminal > What To Do When The Police Knock On Your Door

What To Do When The Police Knock On Your Door

PoliceAtDoor

If you are having a loud party and the police officer knocks on your door, you may not know what to do and feel nervous. This is also true if law enforcement is at your door and you are not having a party at all. When you have an encounter with police officers, it is important to remember you have rights.

In almost every situation a law officer will need a warrant to enter your house. If they do have a warrant, it is because a judge has seen their reason for entering the home as probable cause. When a warrantless search takes place, it is often considered unreasonable. It is difficult for charges to stick when there was no probable cause. After a charge, talk to a Houston criminal lawyer about your options.

Ask to See a Warrant

If police officers are at your door and want to come in, ask them if they have a warrant. When their reply is affirmative, ask to see it. You can view the warrant through a window or ask the officers to slip it under the door so you can verify they have the correct legal documents.

When there is no warrant, you are not legally obligated to open the door or engage with the officers. If they are insisting they need to come in, tell them you will need to see a warrant first. According to the laws of the United States Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, you do not even have an obligation to talk to officers at your door if they do not have a warrant.

Some individuals choose to talk to officers who do not have a warrant, which is fine, that is an individual choice. But in order to protect yourself from future legal problems, do not say anything that could be used later against you. Often, the best way to protect yourself is to simply say that you do not want to talk with law enforcement without your lawyer present.

Learning About Consent to Entry

Consent to entry is when you simply invite law enforcement officers into your home. While this may feel like the natural, polite thing to do, you may not be considering the legal ramifications of doing so. Many rights are waived when you give consent to entry. For example, if an officer sees something or smells something once they are in your home, it could lead to a charge. Even if that charge isn’t the reason they were at your home to begin with.

Being arrested on your own property can be emotional and stressful. After an arrest in Texas, talk to a Houston criminal lawyer about how to protect your rights.

Did the police come to your house and arrest you? Our experienced legal team can defend you against criminal charges and explore non-disclosure options. We have the knowledge to protect you whether the alleged crime was minor or serious. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.

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