What to do if…
you receive a notice that your property may be searched or inspected as part of an investigation

What to do now

1. Verify the notice using an independent official source.
   Look up the agency’s official public phone number or website yourself. Do not rely only on the phone number or link in the notice. Ask the agency to confirm:

   • whether the notice is genuine,
   • the case or reference number,
   • the name and role of the person handling it,
   • whether this is about a criminal search, civil investigation, regulatory inspection, code inspection, housing inspection, workplace inspection, licensing inspection, or something else.

2. Identify what kind of document you received.
   These are different:

   • A search warrant usually authorizes officials to search a named place and look for listed people, records, items, or information.
   • A subpoena usually demands documents, records, testimony, or appearance by a deadline; it is usually not the same thing as permission to enter and search your home.
   • An administrative inspection request may involve housing, health, workplace safety, licensing, tax, fire, or code enforcement. It may begin with a request for consent.
   • An inspection warrant or court order may authorize an inspection even if you did not consent.

3. Call the right kind of lawyer early.
   Use plain words: “I received a notice saying my property may be searched or inspected as part of an investigation. I need advice before I respond or let anyone in.”

   • For police, sheriff, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, or other criminal investigators, call a criminal defense attorney.
   • For housing, health, workplace, licensing, fire, tax, environmental, or code inspections, call a lawyer familiar with that agency or your business counsel.
   • If you rent, own a business, or share the property, ask the lawyer who should communicate with the agency.

4. If officials arrive and are asking for consent, keep the conversation limited.
   Speak through the door if it is safe. Ask:

   • “Who are you and what agency are you with?”
   • “May I see identification?”
   • “Are you asking for my consent, or do you have a warrant or court order?”
   • “May I have a copy?”
     If they are asking for consent and no warrant or emergency is apparent, you can say: “I do not consent to a search or inspection. I want to speak with a lawyer.”

5. If they show a warrant or court order, do not physically interfere.
   Ask to see it and ask for a copy. Look for the address or unit, the issuing judge or court, the date, and what areas or items are listed. You do not have to decide at the door whether the warrant is legally valid. If officials proceed, step back, follow safety instructions, and let your lawyer challenge problems later.

6. During a search, protect safety and make a simple record.

   • Keep your hands visible and do not make sudden movements.
   • Say clearly if children, older adults, disabled people, pets, medical equipment, or essential medications are inside.
   • Do not answer investigation questions beyond basic identifying information unless your lawyer advises you to.
   • Write down names, badge numbers, agency names, times, rooms entered, and items taken as soon as you safely can.
   • Ask for a copy of the warrant, the case number, and an inventory or receipt for anything taken.

7. If this is about an inspection, treat consent as a serious decision.
   Many administrative inspections start by asking for permission to enter. If you want advice first, you can say you do not consent right now and ask who to contact to reschedule or receive written authority. The agency may seek an inspection warrant or use another process. Some closely regulated businesses, emergencies, open areas, or special legal settings may have different rules, so get advice quickly.

8. If this involves a workplace or business site, involve the responsible person immediately.
   Contact the owner, manager, compliance lead, general counsel, or outside lawyer. Ask officials what specific area, records, equipment, or condition they want to inspect. Keep employees from guessing or volunteering explanations.

9. If you are on probation, parole, pretrial release, immigration supervision, or another supervision order, check your conditions now.
   Your paperwork may allow visits, checks, searches, or reporting duties that are different from ordinary search rules. Call your lawyer before refusing anything if you can do so safely.