Expert: Robin Sexton - 6/17/2009

Question
The police came into my home 2 weeks ago with a search warrant for all of our computers, cameras, cell phones and such. Also the police allowed us to move around freely without being watched and to go outside in the yard without a police escort. However when I need to change my shirt (I am a woman) the investigator refused to let me close the door or to look away. My questions are, is there anything I can do about this investigator? Also they have not had anymore contact with us since that day about our property besides the cell phones. How long are they allowed to hold our belongings before giving them back?

Answer
K,

The only direction you can go regarding the investigator is to file a complaint with his department.  The justification is officer safety but if they were allowing you to move about the house not a real good justification under the circumstances.
The items you describe as being taken are time consuming to process.  Depending on the case load of their examiners it could be quite awhile.  The department should be able to give you a rough estimate.  however if evidence is found the items will not be coming back until there is a court proceeding.  If the delay is unreasonable your only option is to obtain a court order.  I would strongly suggest an attorney for that step.

Hope this helps

robin