If law enforcement officers are knocking on your door, here are some things you should do. First, there is no need to panic immediately. The police might not be there “for you.” Maybe they are investigating something that happened in the neighborhood, and they are looking for witnesses.

Second, whether you never committed a crime or you committed one last night, understand your rights. You have Constitutional protections of your rights against unreasonable searches and arrests. Unless the police officers have a warrant, this means:

• The police cannot make you answer the door

• They cannot make you open the door

• If you choose to talk to them, you can talk to the police through the door or a window

• If you choose to open the door, you should NOT invite the police inside (yes, that would be polite, but the rules of “polite” do not apply to government officials who can arrest you)

• You do NOT have to say anything to the police
• You do NOT have to answer any questions

Remember your rights even if you choose to answer the door or talk to the police through the door. However, before opening the door, consider a few things in case you are arrested. For example, look and consider what you are wearing. Are you wearing proper clothes and shoes? If you are arrested, the police will not generally allow you to change your clothes, switch your slippers for proper shoes, etc. Also, consider whether you have your purse/wallet, phone, keys and other necessary personal items (including immediately necessary medications like an inhaler). If you have an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney, call them immediately.

Finally, before opening the door, look around to see if there is any evidence of a crime in plain sight. The search and seizure protections do not apply to evidence of a crime that is in “plain sight” of the police officers. Drug paraphernalia is a common example of criminal evidence visible in plain sight. Such plain-sight evidence will give police officers the right to come in and look for more evidence of criminal behavior.

Again, if you choose to talk to the police, remember you can stop talking to them at any time. You have a right to remain silent.

What Should I Do If the Police Say they Have a Warrant?

The situation is different if the police claim to have a warrant. A warrant will be a paper document — usually several pages long — signed towards the end by a local judge. Warrants are usually combined search warrants and arrest warrants. The search part of the warrant allows the police to enter your house/apartment and search for evidence related to a crime. The warrant will also allow the seizure of that evidence. The arrest part of the warrant allows the police to arrest the person indicated and any other person where the police have a legal justification. You are entitled to see it and read it.

If the police say they have a warrant, call an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney immediately. Tell the police you want to see and read the warrant. But, before opening the door, do some of the things from above, like checking your clothes and gathering your purse/wallet, etc. Remember, even if the police have a warrant, you do NOT have to talk to them or answer questions. Suppose they say: “What is this?” pointing to something. You do NOT have to answer the question. If you are arrested, say nothing to the police until your attorney arrives.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.