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What should I do if federal agents show up at my home or business?
Getting a visit from federal agents can be an intimidating and unnerving experience. Even if you haven’t done anything wrong, having the FBI or other federal law enforcement show up at your home or business can make you feel like you’re in trouble. However, there are things you can do to protect your rights and handle the situation properly.
Remain Calm
The first thing to do is remain calm. Take a few deep breaths. Don’t get angry or upset with the agents. Yelling or becoming aggressive will only escalate the situation. Be polite and professional.
Ask For Identification
When federal agents arrive, you should ask them to identify themselves. Ask to see their credentials, including their name, agency, and badge number. Take notes so you have a record of this information. You have a right to know who is at your door and why they want to talk to you.
Ask For A Search Warrant
If the agents want to enter or search your home or business, ask to see a search warrant. The warrant should be signed by a judge and specify what the agents are authorized to search for and where they can search.Take your time to read over the warrant carefully. Make sure it is valid – check the date and address. If anything seems off, point it out to the agents.If they don’t have a warrant, you do not have to let them inside or consent to a search. Simply say “I do not consent to any searches.”Search warrant
Record The Interaction
If it is legal in your state, start recording audio or video when federal agents arrive. This creates an objective record of what was said and done. Let them know you are recording.
Call An Attorney
Tell the agents you want to speak to an attorney before answering any questions or consenting to a search. Call a criminal defense lawyer right away. Avoid talking about anything substantive until your lawyer arrives.Having an attorney present protects your legal rights. Your lawyer can examine any warrants, negotiate with agents, and stop questioning if needed.
Don’t Consent To Questioning
Politely decline to answer the agents’ questions until your attorney arrives. You have a Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate yourself. Anything you say can potentially be used against you later.Simply tell agents you wish to remain silent until you have legal counsel present. Don’t argue, resist, or engage in small talk – that could be seen as consenting.
Don’t Try To Hide Anything
Don’t make any sudden movements or attempt to hide anything when federal agents arrive. That could be seen as suspicious behavior or destruction of evidence.Let your lawyer handle asserting your rights. Just remain calm and courteous.
Secure Your Home/Business
If agents leave to get a warrant after being denied entry, lock your doors and secure your home or business. This prevents them from entering while you are waiting for your attorney to arrive.
Comply With A Valid Warrant
If agents present a valid search warrant signed by a judge, you have to let them enter and search the specified areas. Interfering with their search or destroying evidence could lead to criminal charges.However, continue to assert your rights. Remain silent, record what happens, and don’t sign any documents without your lawyer present.
Get Copies Of All Documents
Request copies of the warrant, inventory of any items seized, and any other documents from the search. This creates a record you can review with your attorney later.
Take Notes
Write down as much as you can recall about what the agents said and did during their visit. Note their names, agencies, the time they arrived, what they looked at or took, and any questions they asked.
Seek Legal Counsel
After the agents leave, immediately contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss the incident. Your lawyer can advise you on next steps, including filing motions if your rights were violated.
Don’t Discuss The Raid Publicly
Avoid posting about the visit on social media or talking to the press. Anything you say publicly could be used against you. Wait to discuss the incident until you have guidance from your attorney.Dealing with a visit from federal agents can be unsettling, but knowing your rights is empowering. Remaining calm, seeking legal counsel, and not consenting to questioning or searches helps ensure the interaction goes smoothly while protecting your legal interests. With the proper response, you can get through the experience intact.