Having the police show up at your front door can be a frightening experience. It’s important to know how to behave in this situation—and what your rights are. One of the most common questions posed to criminal defense attorneys is whether officers can enter a building without a warrant, which is a legal document that authorizes law enforcement to search a specified location and seize from it certain materials.

How the Fourth Amendment Protects You

Police cannot search your home without a warrant. This is outlined by the Fourth Amendment, which guarantees the right of citizens “to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” As such, officers need written permission from a court to search your home.

In the event that police violate the Fourth Amendment by illegally entering, searching, and seizing materials, the evidence that they gather can’t be admitted in court. However, there are instances in which police can proceed without a warrant, such as if evidence of illegal activity is visible from the doorway.

When to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney

If the police show up at your home and ask to search the premises, do not agree to let them do so without a warrant. Remain polite but firm, and avoid giving in to pressure. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, it’s best to refuse a police search. Remember that it is reasonable to ask them to return with a warrant and not let them in otherwise.

Should law enforcement arrive with a warrant, ask to see the document. It should specify which parts of the home they can examine, as well as the time frame in which they are permitted to conduct the search. If police are entering your home, call a criminal defense attorney immediately.

Need a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights? Look to Bellotti Law Group, P.C., in Boston, MA. This highly respected law firm is known for providing clients with top-notch, aggressive representation. From drug charges to custody battles, Bellotti Law Group, P.C. handles an array of cases. Contact the lawyers online or call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a consultation.