Do you have a warrant?

Another Tuesday, another legal crash course from your favorite internet lawyer.

This week, we’re talking about something sacred: your home.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

• When police need a warrant (and when they don’t)

• Sneaky loopholes that could trip you up

• What to say when someone’s knocking at your door

Let’s get into it.

When can police enter your home?

Your home is one of the most protected places under the law.

The Fourth Amendment says the government can’t search or seize your stuff without a good reason. And when it comes to your home, that usually means one thing: a warrant.

But of course, there are exceptions (there are always exceptions).

They CAN enter your home if…

1. They have a warrant.

A judge has signed off on it. It must clearly list your address and what they’re allowed to search for. No mystery missions allowed.

2. You say yes.

This one’s big. If you let them in voluntarily, they don’t need a warrant. That’s called consent. And once you give it, they can use anything they find.

3. There’s an emergency.

Police can enter without a warrant if they believe someone’s in danger, a crime is in progress, or evidence is about to be destroyed. That’s called exigent circumstances.

4. They’re in hot pursuit.

If police are actively chasing someone who just committed a crime and that person runs into a home, they’re allowed to follow. No warrant needed. This usually applies to serious crimes, and the entry has to happen immediately.

They CANNOT enter your home if…

1. They just ask nicely and you say no.

You’re allowed to say no unless they have a warrant or a valid legal exception. You don’t have to explain yourself.

2. They knock and say “we just want to talk.”

You can talk through the door or not at all. You’re not required to open up or invite them in. Talking to the police is your choice, not your obligation.

Even without a warrant, cops can use certain tactics to get in, especially if you don’t know how to push back.

👀 The “Plain View” Rule

If you let an officer in, or even just open your door wide enough, and they spot something illegal (drugs, weapons, stolen items), they can seize it on the spot. No warrant needed.

😈 The “Just Let Us In” Lie

Cops are legally allowed to lie during investigations. Yep, you read that right.

They might say:

None of that gives them the legal right to enter. If they don’t have a warrant or a real exception, you can absolutely say no.

You never have to choose between being polite and being protected.

I’m putting together a set of easy-to-follow legal guides to help you stay ahead in situations like this. No law degree needed.

👉 Click here to join the waitlist.

What to say (without getting yourself in trouble)

If the police are at your door and they’re trying to get in, here’s what to do and say to protect yourself without making things worse.

If they don’t have a warrant, you don’t have to open the door.

You can talk through the door, or choose not to respond at all, depending on the situation.

If you do choose to speak, say:

If they don’t, you don’t have to let them in. Stay calm, polite, and clear. The less you say, the better.

Up Next Week: What about your landlord?

Not every threat to your rights kicks down the door. Sometimes, it’s the person who owns it.

Next week, I’ll break down what your landlord legally can and can’t do, and trust me, they don’t always play by the rules either.

Legal Notepad

Your home is your castle, and the law treats it that way.

Cops, landlords, clipboard-carrying weirdos... no one gets to come in just because they feel like it. Not without a warrant, proper notice, or your permission.

Most people don’t realize they can say no. Now you do.

If you want more tips like this, a full guide is coming very soon. So if you’re not already on the waitlist, now’s the time.

Until next Tuesday, this case is closed.