If the police turn up at your property wanting to search it, there are some regulations that you should know about, including when to call your lawyer. You can call Vanessa Ash during office hours or after hours.

Fact: The police need a search warrant to enter and search a private premises, so if they turn up at your house requesting entry when none of the below circumstances apply, you should call Vanessa Ash immediately.
Fact: If the police enter with a search warrant, you do not need to help them find whatever they are looking for.

When police do not need a search warrant

1. If you consent to the search and let them enter, police do not need a search warrant.
2. If the police have grounds to believe that a serious offence is being committed, or has been committed, and they must be allowed to enter to make an arrest, police are allowed to enter and search the premises. The grounds must be considered ‘reasonable’.
3. If the police believe there are illegal drugs inside the property or premises, they do not need a search warrant.
4. If the police have a warrant for the arrest of a person who is inside the home, building, or on the property, they do not need a search warrant.
5. If there has been an intervention order breached, police do not need a search warrant.

What to do if the police arrive with a search warrant

1. You should read the warrant very carefully to see what the police are looking for.
2. If the items listed are specific, then the police may only seize those items, nothing else – they are not entitled to seize anything not on that list if specified. If the warrant is causing you doubt, call Vanessa Ash for legal advice immediately.
3. Remain close-by as the search is conducted so you can see what, if anything, is taken. Retain a copy of the list of items taken by police – ask for the list if you are not given one.
4. Don’t say anything to the police or in earshot of anyone nearby, as it can be used as evidence against you, even if the listener is not a police officer.
5. Do not make any statements to the police about anything at all.
6. Call Vanessa Ash for legal support immediately.

Write your own story. Call Vanessa Ash and Associates today.