Can Police Search Anywhere in My House if They Have a Warrant?

By Jonathan Blecher on March 8, 2017

When the police have a search warrant for your home, it may be limited. The warrant must describe exactly where they want to search, and what they are looking for – drugs, guns, stolen property or other items of evidence in a criminal case. The police then have the right to search anywhere in your home that the warrant permits them to look. The warrant could allow the police to search your entire house or just in certain areas. If the police arrive at your house with a search warrant, you need to read it and call an attorney fast. If a case has progressed to the point where there is a search warrant, and the police are there to find evidence, you can expect to be arrested within a short period of time. You are obviously the target of a criminal investigation, whether you are innocent or guilty.

If the police come to your home with a search warrant, ask to see it, and read it so you know what they can or cannot do, and what areas they are permitted to search. The police can only search for the type of items that are related to the case. This limits some types of search activities. As an example, if they are looking for firearms, they can’t look in your medicine cabinet – a gun just won’t fit, and this would be overstepping the bounds.

Dealing with Police – Be Respectful & Know Your Rights

One tip when dealing with police: be respectful, and don’t argue. Read the warrant, understand it, and call an attorney. If you are argumentative or aggressive, you can find yourself in legal trouble that can cause serious problems later. When you speak with a criminal attorney and explain carefully everything that occurred. Don’t leave out any important details on where the police searched, whether they took any items for evidence, and what the warrant said – your lawyer can inform you whether they violated your rights. If it happened to you, legal action must be filed about the violation of the right. Some evidence may be deemed inadmissible if the police violated your rights, or searched beyond the scope of the warrant.

As a Miami criminal defense attorney, I’ve received recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers. My dedication to my practice, clients, and the law makes me uniquely qualified to handle even the toughest criminal cases. Arrested? Don’t hesitate to contact my firm today.

Begin discussing your legal option today. Call 305-321-3237 to request your free consultation.