do i have to open my door if the police are knocking?

Question

i've had experence with this before when i was younger, i did'nt answer the door, it was due to a party. i was wondering if anybody has had experence with more serious offence's do you know if they would kick the door down?

Answer 1

if you open the door .. close it behind you ... even better to come out from the backdoor and come around to meet them ... the idea is that you dont want to let them see anything questionable inside .. like minors drinking ... refuse to let them inside politely ... if they threaten with a warrant kindly tell them that you will be requireing it.

Answer 2

No, you do not ought to open it. sure, that is "criminal". it really is a count number in the adventure that they could get in or not. they could enter it for decrease than some motives. # a million : they have a warrant. # 2 : they are doing a welfare verify (assume you haven't been answering your telephone, and no one has considered you). and # 3, Exigent situations, which incorporates a scream from the room, or something that would want to provide them the in all likelihood reason to believe a criminal offense is being dedicated. that that they had even ought to make a real looking attempt to get a glance for warrant, yet in this adventure, they could argue that the time-body it might take permits you to ruin evidence. *EDIT* : Gomanyes, there became actual a case a pair months in the past that befell. They ruled that because someone is determining to purchase a inn room, it really is legally their living in the mean time. As such, inn administration can't enable them in. a wide narcotics bust actual were given thrown out because of this.

Answer 3

Per the United States Constitution, you shall allow law enforcement access to your property upon the issuance of a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate. State and local laws will differ on how officers are required to "show" you the warrant. There are also different types of warrants. Most jurisdictions allow officers access without your permission if they detect an immediate danger to life, especially to minors or domestic partners.

Keep in mind that it is in your best interest to cooperate with law enforcement officers. If the goal of the officers is to get to you, they will find a way to do so. There are loop-holes and other "methods" of getting to you without a warrant. Also remember that officers have the power of disgresion. If you are committing a minor offence, they might simply do a "cite-and-release." If you give them a hard time, they may choose to arrest and book you instead. PICK YOUR BATTLES!

You should consult your local and state laws regarding this. There are many different answers to your question from other users that conflict with the truth. You may believe only the answers that you WANT to hear. Be careful and consider the source.

Answer 4

They may break the door down if they have reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed. But if they just knock ( for example, your music is too loud ) you don't have to answer. But the next morning when you are sobering up and walk out to get the paper- there will be a citation stuck to your door for disturbing the peace, you will pay a fine or go to court or both.

Answer 5

There's a difference betwee what you "have" to do and what you "should" do... You should open the door, but you don't have too, but that's like holding a door open for a lady, you should but you don't have to, or calling your mom on mother's day, you should but don't have to. If a police officer has reason to believe that a serious crime is in progress and it threatens the life/well being of a person then he will knock it down, it's an immediate threat that has to be dealt with. I've kicked them in plenty of times when people call to have us check on their loved ones who they think are suicidal... the person doesn't answer the door and then we call the loved one and they give us permission, but if we hear anything wierd or suspicious that door is coming down, broken doors are better than dead people.

Answer 6

No you don't have to answer the door. If they have an entry warrant they'll kick it in or if they believe that there is someone's life at risk inside. If you don't answer though it doesn't mean they won't come back later and they might be a little more peeved the next time.

Answer 7

I'm not sure if you have to open the door, but if the police had probable cause that illegal activities were going on beyond that door, then they have the right to kick it down. If you open the door, you can refuse to let them enter and look around. Although if they see anything illegal activities while looking past you, then they can go in. Best bet is to not do anything illegal, then you have nothing to worry about!

Answer 8

In Utah I think that the only time an officer can kick down your door is if they have a warrant or if they believe someone is in imminent danger of physical bodily injury.

Answer 9

You don't have to open the door but you can bet your sweetass if they are there to take you in then you are going whether you open the door or not. Oh and if they do break your door down they add charges.

Answer 10

They the Police can do anything they want...Especially kicking your door down and they will get a search warrant if the consider there are drugs involved...and they won`t pay for your door neither...

Answer 11

They legally have the right to break in door, if they have
a warrant (arrest or search). Otherwise they would have to wait for court order but will wait at door for order. Just open the door, it is much easier.