I'm a fully complaint patient in Washington state and want to know if I have a collective garden, and the cops come to my door for whatever reason, should I let them come in and take a count..obviously I'll be having the legal number of plants And following the laws, what should I do? You dont want to come across as an asshole or like you have something to hide because that'll just give them a reason to harass you more or pursue the investigation.i feel like letting them in to take a count of plants, shows you have nothing to hide and as long as you have proper documentatio, you should be fine right?
Cops at front door..what next????
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they r not your friends
they r not your friends
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they r not your friends
THE NORML FOUNDATION FREEDOM CARD
The U.S. Constitution prohibits the government from interfering with your right to remain silent, to consult with an attorney, and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. However, it is up to you to assert these rights. This NORML Foundation Freedom Card will help you do so effectively.
If you are confronted by a police officer, remain calm. Be courteous and provide your identification. Politely refuse to answer any further questions. Ask to talk to an attorney. Do not consent to any search of your person, your property, your residence or your vehicle. Tell the officer you would like to give him or her this card, which is a statement of the constitutional rights you wish to invoke. Do not reach for this card until you have obtained the officer's permission to do so.
If the officer fails to honor your rights, remain calm and polite, ask for the officer's identifying information and ask him or her to note your objection in the report. Do not attempt to physically resist an unlawful arrest, search or seizure. If necessary, you may point out the violations to a judge at a later time.
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You are not being an asshole or acting like you have something to hide by exercising your constitutional rights as an American citizen.
Do not let them in your home without a warrant. Tell them they can search your home after they let you thoroughly search every one of their homes just to make sure they have nothing to hide.
Do not let them in your home without a warrant. Tell them they can search your home after they let you thoroughly search every one of their homes just to make sure they have nothing to hide.
tell them to show a warrant, if they ask you why, tell them youd be happy to arrange a meeting to answer that and any other questions they have with your lawyer present. rinse and repeat with every question they ask.
never ever try to explain anything other than your name and card status. you dont have to answer or host them for a peak around your property without either of these two constitutionally mandated requirements. its not rude so dont be defensive and dont attempt to convince them anything. they have thier work to do. youre paying them to do it. let them do it. dont do it for them. if they can get a warrant they will. if they cant then thier only hope is to convince you to consent or get you to make a statement they can twist into probable cause. say nothing, consent to nothing and they have nothing to work with. itll be up to them to get proper legal permission to come in. dont help. they arent there to help you either. its just business. dont explain the circumstances of your recomendation or your patients a lawyer can do a better job of that for you. chances are youll not hear from them again.
never ever try to explain anything other than your name and card status. you dont have to answer or host them for a peak around your property without either of these two constitutionally mandated requirements. its not rude so dont be defensive and dont attempt to convince them anything. they have thier work to do. youre paying them to do it. let them do it. dont do it for them. if they can get a warrant they will. if they cant then thier only hope is to convince you to consent or get you to make a statement they can twist into probable cause. say nothing, consent to nothing and they have nothing to work with. itll be up to them to get proper legal permission to come in. dont help. they arent there to help you either. its just business. dont explain the circumstances of your recomendation or your patients a lawyer can do a better job of that for you. chances are youll not hear from them again.
never let cops in ..no warrant no entry ..no fucking exceptions
Smell doesn't grant access in med states. If you have a card smell indicating the presence of herb is not probable cause of a law being broken. If they ask if your growing say I'll have my lawyer contact you for answers to any questions you may have. Do not confirm or deny anything. Even if your house smells like a Denver outdoor music festival. The fact that they smell weed is speculation and you have permission to grow. No warrant no entry.
simply dont answer the door. you dont have to.
sure. let them in and take a plant count. meanwhile, they just infested your garden with spider mites, fungus gnats, fleas, bed bugs, ect that came in on their clothing and shoes.
FunkJungle
Member
That's it! just don't let them in. Most of the time once the door is open they can find a way in if they really try. I don't even answer the door for strangers, If I don't know someones coming, I just don't answer the door. Its 2014, most people can call or text! I have had plain clothes cops knock on the door before(not related to cannabis, or me) and I had no idea they were police, until I had the door wide open, and they were smelling the herb smoke. Lucky they were not worried about me getting high. Be safe people, our freedom is near, no sense of risking it right now. And sadly Washington state seems it may not be totally safe yet. Colorado seems to be a better first step towards all out legalization, but we will see, law enforcement is not totally predictable. Never open the door the police, if they really want in, they will just kick the door in anyway. That's half their trip isn't it?
^^ I like that. Im the same way, you dont call or let me know youre coming over. plan on not coming over. Even sometimes people in my family will try and stop by unannounced. I dont even answer the door for them.
OP- Security should be your number 1 priority, no matter what state you live in. So preventing cops from coming to your house should be the key here.
OP- Security should be your number 1 priority, no matter what state you live in. So preventing cops from coming to your house should be the key here.
Crocodile OG
Member
Then they come back. I had this happen personally.
If you keep ignoring them eventually they will force entry out of "concern for life" they will tell the judge they thought someone was dead or injured inside.
If your in a house go out the back door and talk to them in the front yard. That way they cant say in court "when the accused opened the door there was a strong odour of cannabis giving us probable cause etc etc".
If you're in an apartment get an intercom and talk to them through that. If they're in a common area and you havent opened your door then it can be argued that the odour could be coming from any of the other apartments that share that common area.
If its a knock and talk they dont have enough to secure a warrant. If they have a warrant then they'll just knock the door down.
Dont be a pussy. Dont let them in. And you dont have to answer any of their bullshit questions. Be polite but firm. "Look I understand you have a job to do but I dont have time for this. Please leave the property your embarrassing me and I dont want to get involved." Dont say shit like "I know my rights" or get hostile. That gives them clues that you're in the game.
^ I respectfully disagree.
No need to talk to them outside your house or through the intercom. What is to gain from that? I can see if it's curiosity relating to something that might have happened in your neighborhood, but otherwise if they are there to talk to you specifically.. DO NOT. They'll only try to get further intel, falsely interpret your words, or otherwise manipulate you in some way. NEVER speak to them.. there is no point. They are not your friends and no good ever comes from speaking with them directly. Going out back to talk to them could easily lead to your arrest/death and a fabricated lie to justify their actions. Never give them that chance.
If the cops are ever within the interior of my house I better be picking splinters out of the carpet and replacing my door after it's all said and done. Otherwise I am myself to blame for whatever may come next.
So be it. The lawyers can then handle that aftermath. As already stated, NEVER talk to them. You have nothing to gain. Let your lawyer be the intermediary. That is what you pay them to do. They are better with their words and more versed in the law.
No need to talk to them outside your house or through the intercom. What is to gain from that? I can see if it's curiosity relating to something that might have happened in your neighborhood, but otherwise if they are there to talk to you specifically.. DO NOT. They'll only try to get further intel, falsely interpret your words, or otherwise manipulate you in some way. NEVER speak to them.. there is no point. They are not your friends and no good ever comes from speaking with them directly. Going out back to talk to them could easily lead to your arrest/death and a fabricated lie to justify their actions. Never give them that chance.
Saying that to the wrong cop might get a boot on your neck and a pair of silver bracelets, or much worse. The cop would just say you got irate, resisted, and went for his gun. They do what they want and butter up the story afterwards.
If the cops are ever within the interior of my house I better be picking splinters out of the carpet and replacing my door after it's all said and done. Otherwise I am myself to blame for whatever may come next.
Crocodile OG
Member
I respect your disagreement but you are wrong.
The concern for life clause is what fire fighters and other emergency services use to enter properties in an emergency. It negates the need for a warrant.
If the lights, tv etc are on and no one answers the door then they will have a legitimate excuse for entry in court. They will say to the judge that they believed you were dead or injured inside. Especially if they have been to the property before and had no answer. Maybe you were unconscious or dead on the toilet like Elvis? The judge will side with them in court. Especially if drugs are found afterward.
Maybe you were in the backyard when the door bell rang? Maybe you had to get a pair of pants from the rear of the house because you were naked?
There is no legal grounds for them to be suspicious if you come from ANY part of the property. If you answer the front door they will simply say that they smelled dope when you opened the door. Probable cause.
Anyone has the LEGAL right to approach your front door unless the access to your property is locked or a no tresspassing signage erected. For example Jehovahs Witnesses or door to door sales people have the right to knock on your front door unless told not to.
You have every right to ask them to leave the property if they have no legally justified reason to be there ie a warrant or probable cause. It is YOUR property after all.
I really hope you never have any problems mate. No one deserves hassles over weed.
Argue with me all you want but I am speaking from PERSONAL experience when I had the POLICE AT MY DOOR and from consultation with a lawyer.
THE LOOK ON THEIR FACE WHEN THEY HAVE TO LEAVE WITH NOTHING IS PRICELESS.
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Thank you all for your answers, since this seems to be a too ken, the scenario was if a neighbor had called because of smell..I think it's best to confront them and tell them that if they don't have a warrent to excuse themselves from the property and any other questions musy be asked to my lawyer..I'm not trying to be harassed by the 5.0. Especially cuz they always win or will make up some bullshit if they really want to. I heard of a sign that says no trespassing by anyone unless permitted, and anyone else that come on the property with be considered starting an active war..that's a little extreme.. I think I'd personally ask if being detained and if they say no, then ask them to leave my property until they have a warrent
Crocodile OG
Member
If your front yard is fully fenced you can lock your gate and have the same effect as a no tresspassing sign. Ideally it would have an intercom with camera and remote control lock.
This removes any legal excuse for them to approach the property.
If they come do not open your front door.
They will attempt to bully or trick you into letting them in if they have no warrant.
DO NOT AGREE TO THEIR REQUESTS. Once inside they are permitted to open anything they believe is being used in the commission of a crime. For example if you permit entry but only into the front room they have the justification to roam throughout the house opening doors, cupboards, vessells etc.
If they have a warrant they can use whatever is necessary to gain access. Even a tank ala the Waco Branch Davidian siege.
Remember this statement: "Sir I do not know the law well enough to answer any questions or continue this interaction without legal representation"
Man up player. Don't be a victim.
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Argue with me all you want but I am speaking from PERSONAL experience when I had the POLICE AT MY DOOR and from consultation with a lawyer.
THE LOOK ON THEIR FACE WHEN THEY HAVE TO LEAVE WITH NOTHING IS PRICELESS.
I'm not arguing with you, just stating my opinion/personal experience. 9 times out of 10 interacting with the police doesn't do you any good. It's not in your best interest to speak with them. Let them knock. They'll typically either leave, leave a card to have you contact them, or come back with a warrant. All three give you the time to dismantle, clean shop, and interact by the advise of your attorney.
They'll typically not just barge into the place off 1st rip citing concern for life. Their goal of a knock and talk to get you to open the door. If you avoid that by simply not answering the door they'll typically leave and either get a warrant or obtain more evidence before proceeding. Especially if they are just basing their knock and talk from hear se.
You said it yourself.. if they DO want inside your property they'll certainly enter. Probable cause is easy to make up. You coming from around back isn't going to prevent anything. They could just as easily say you were acting suspicious and they heard screams/gunshots coming from inside the house. Remember that "concern for life" bit? I fail to see how you interacting with the police after dipping out of the back door is going to prevent such - if getting inside the house is there immediate goal. Startling a cop from behind while he's knocking at your door is a good way to get shot.
I'm glad it worked out for you. I'm not saying that there aren't exceptions, but in most people's circumstances interacting with the police only leads to their arrest. I believe there are more cases as such then police using the concern for life reasoning to break into locked houses based on a tip of drug activity, etc, alone.
Just my 2c. Bit of personal experience myself. Been in a few situations where we didn't answer the door... they leave or keep banging while a warrant is obtained. Heck my buddy's lawyer showed up at a house once before a warrant was obtained.. Walked right by the police. Lots of evidence was destroyed in the meantime and cash removed (via lawyer). Ultimately my buddy was still charged with cultivation as the entire thing couldn't be cleared before the warrant was obtained, but it certainly was the most peaceful raid ever with the lawyer present.
I certainly hope I don't get into any trouble either, but I'm not putting myself into a position where they can distort my actions, words, or intentions. No way no how.. Keep on knocking or lets get it over with. I WILL NOT talk to the police. My lawyer will be the intermediary which ALWAYS keeps them very professional and abiding by the law.
I'm wrong? Whatever makes you feel right I suppose. I've never once spoke with a lawyer who advises the opposite. Speak with law enforcement without your attorney present? NEVER! I'm sure every attorney on the planet would advise the same.
** I agree with a ton of what you're saying, but I'd personally just avoid the interaction all together. Why not just cut to the chase and avoid the interaction without the attorney pressent. Why put yourself in their harms way just to tell them that. In my experience it only frustrates and pisses them off. I don't want to be in the physical realm of a cop pissed off. That is exactly how unstable cops go bonkers and do crazy shit while getting all of their buddies to fabricate their stories. Seen it too many times. I'm not sure where you're from, but around here cops give death threats when you push their buttons.
In the very least.. if you are interacting with a cop.. for fucks sake make sure its video recorded and audio taped.
Crocodile OG
Member
Thats cool. I can disagre without taking it personal.
Situation was they knocked on the front door. I went round the side and talked to them.
They accused me of growing. I said no. They asked for permission to enter. I said no. They asked more questions then asked for permission to enter. I said no.
They said they would be back later with a warrant. I said that was up to them. They never came back.
Another time they knocked on door. I looked out saw who it was and ignored them. They came back again when they knew I was home. They said I was smoking weed. I said no. They demanded I open door. I said no I am naked. Denied everything. They left.
I consulted a lawyer after. He said if I continued not to answer door they would have "concern for life" entry rights. Especially drugs tip. Maybe i had overdosed after injecting hydroponical marihuana. Game over.
They cant just make anything up. It has to be plausible and corroborated. They cant say they heard screams or gun shots because you can get witnesses (neighbours) to prove otherwise.
They are used to getting their way with people. They would rather not lose face a second time if you stand up for yourself.
Of course the lawyer wants to be involved. Thats what they get paid for.
The real law is the law of the jungle. Predators and prey. Dont be an easy meal.
Situation was they knocked on the front door. I went round the side and talked to them.
They accused me of growing. I said no. They asked for permission to enter. I said no. They asked more questions then asked for permission to enter. I said no.
They said they would be back later with a warrant. I said that was up to them. They never came back.
Another time they knocked on door. I looked out saw who it was and ignored them. They came back again when they knew I was home. They said I was smoking weed. I said no. They demanded I open door. I said no I am naked. Denied everything. They left.
I consulted a lawyer after. He said if I continued not to answer door they would have "concern for life" entry rights. Especially drugs tip. Maybe i had overdosed after injecting hydroponical marihuana. Game over.
They cant just make anything up. It has to be plausible and corroborated. They cant say they heard screams or gun shots because you can get witnesses (neighbours) to prove otherwise.
They are used to getting their way with people. They would rather not lose face a second time if you stand up for yourself.
Of course the lawyer wants to be involved. Thats what they get paid for.
The real law is the law of the jungle. Predators and prey. Dont be an easy meal.
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