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Criminal Law/warrantless apartment search

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Expert: - 3/9/2006


Question
Okay . The police conducted a warrantless search of my apartment.  Their reason for going to my apartment was to check on the wellfare of a juvenile that an anonymous caller stated was a possible runaway and was there using drugs.  The police were coming up to the apartment building steps and found the juvenile outside of the apartment on the steps with the door locked.  She told them i was not in there.  So thier reason for going there was to check on her welfare, and they found her outside my apartment and saw that she was okay.  So if you have any legal knowledge could the cops have any right to call my landlord after they allready found the girl and have him come open the apartment and then enter and look through closets for me just to ask me questions?  It seems like they just wanted to search my apartment. They found pot in one of my closets.

Thank you for your help.

Answer
  
   I am a little puzzled by your statement "if you have any legal knowledge"?  

    If you believe that the police conducted an unauthorized search of your apartment and seized evidence that could be introduced at your trial then you need to have your attorney contest the evidene at a hearing before the trial starts.  Your attorney will know what to do.

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.

Experience

I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.

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