No-knock warrants are being increasingly used to arrest potential suspects who police believe may try to run or destroy evidence before they open the door when there is a warrant. They are also used where police believe they will be injured or killed if they knock before entering the home and want to use the element of surprise to subdue the suspect.
While these are reasons why no-knock warrants are used, the reality is that they can be incredibly dangerous for both the police and the people inside the home. For those who are the victim of a no-knock warrant, it is crucial to understand what happened and what they can do about it.
What is a No-Knock Warrant?
For most warrants, law enforcement officers must knock and announce their presence. If the suspect does not open the door, or they suspect something is happening, they may break into the home to make an arrest, preserve evidence, or save a life. With the war on drugs, no-knock warrants were introduced as a way to enter homes quickly, before the suspect knows what’s happening, to reduce the potential for an officer to be shot or for evidence to be destroyed. They have been used increasingly since then and in a variety of different situations.
Why No-Knock Warrants Are Dangerous
No-knock warrants are inherently dangerous, as they involve breaking into a person’s home to have the element of surprise to arrest them. Unfortunately, even when the no-knock warrant is done in good faith, there is a significant potential for severe injury or death. A few of the main risks of a no-knock warrant include the following.
- Risk of Homeowner Defense – Homeowners today are likely to have a firearm to use for self-defense. If they hear someone breaking into their home, they may start firing before realizing they are shooting at police officers. This increases the potential for law enforcement and the homeowner to end up injured or killed.
- Risk of the Wrong House – It is possible that the no-knock warrant will be served on the wrong house, putting innocent people at risk of being injured or killed. This can happen if the suspect no longer lives at the house, isn’t home at the time, or the officers have the wrong address.
- Risk to Law Enforcement Before Entry- Many homes have doorbell cameras today, so they may see law enforcement arriving before they enter the house. This can lead to the homeowner shooting before the door is opened, risking injury to themselves as well as law enforcement.
How to Handle The Situation After Being a Victim
After a no-knock warrant, it is important to make sure the home is secured and that all injuries are reviewed by a medical professional. The victim, if they are not arrested, can fix their door and seek medical attention right away. Regardless of whether they’re arrested, they will want to speak with a lawyer to learn about their rights and the potential for reimbursement for damages and medical expenses.
If you are the victim of a no-knock warrant and are injured or suffer damages to your home, it may be possible to obtain compensation. However, this can be difficult to do, so it is important to hire a lawyer. Schedule a consultation now to learn more about how they can help.
