If the police show up at your door, don’t let them in. As criminal defense attorneys in Larimer County, we have seen many cases where people let Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park police into their home and were charged with a crime. Letting the police into your home or apartment gives them the opportunity to find evidence to use against you. Here are a few reasons we advise our clients to keep the police out of their home:
1. The Plain Sight Rule and Evidence of a Crime
Once Berthoud, Wellington, or Glen Haven police are inside your home, anything in plain sight is fair game. If they see something they think could be connected with a crime, such as a gun, or marijuana, they are allowed to seize the evidence to charge you with a crime. You may not have anything to hide, but your definition of criminal activity is different from theirs. For example, if you own a dog and they don’t think it’s being cared for correctly (not having enough food, outside in the cold, etc.), they could charge you with Cruelty to Animals. Don’t give them the opportunity to find evidence against you.
2. Protective Sweeps and Officer Safety
When they knock on your door, the police say they just want to talk. This is a lie. Once you invite them in, they are legally allowed to do a “protective sweep” for their own safety. They will enter every room and look under the beds, in the closets, and behind furniture. When combined with the plain sight rule, this can be dangerous. Your privacy is important – don’t let Windsor, Red Feather, or Poudre Park police search your home for evidence.
3. Formality is in Your Favor
When you don’t allow a police officer to enter your home, you are denying them the ability to catch you off your guard. You are now in control of the situation. They know you are more likely to talk and let something slip if you are sitting at your kitchen table. When they are standing outside, they won’t be able to befriend you and give you a false sense of security.
Remain in Control of Your Own Home
It can be difficult to stand strong after you deny a cop entrance to your home. I have seen police officers threaten residents with criminal charges or taking away their kids. I have seen them refuse to leave. This is when it is important to stand strong. If you cave in and allow an officer to enter your home, they will invite other officers in as well. If you object, you could be charged with Obstruction of a Peace Officer. Don’t give police the chance to find anything “criminal” in your home. Refuse them entrance into your house.
If you or a loved one has been contacted by Loveland or Fort Collins Police, don’t let them into your home: Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net – Stuart Miles