What to Do If Police Have a Search Warrant in Minnesota
- Sarah Gad
- Jul 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
Police at your door with a search warrant? Don’t panic—and don’t talk. At Gad & Gad Law Offices, we’ve helped countless Minnesotans whose homes, phones, and lives were turned upside down by a search warrant—only to later get their charges dismissed. The key? Knowing your rights and invoking them at the right time.
What Is a Search Warrant—And Why They’re Easier to Get Than You Think
A search warrant is a document signed by a judge that gives police limited permission to search a location and seize certain items. In theory, judges are supposed to scrutinize warrant applications closely. But in practice? Warrants in Minnesota are often rubber-stamped.
Law enforcement can get a warrant based on vague tips, incomplete investigations, and affidavits that go unchecked—especially after hours or on weekends when judges aren’t inclined to ask tough questions. The raid might feel intense, but the legal threshold is often surprisingly low.
Don’t let the spectacle fool you. Just because police had a warrant doesn’t mean the evidence will hold up. That’s why your response matters.
What to Do If Police Show Up With a Warrant
Ask to see the warrant. You have a right to review it. Note what areas and items are listed. Take a photo if possible.
Say nothing. Sign nothing. The biggest mistake people make is trying to “explain” or “cooperate.” Don’t. Instead, say:
“I do not consent to any search beyond what’s in the warrant, and I want a lawyer.”
Don’t agree to an interview. At the end of the search, officers often ask to “ask a few questions” or invite you to the station. Don’t go. Don’t talk. Call a lawyer. Even if you think you're helping yourself, you’re not. Read why you should never talk to police—even if you’re innocent.
Take notes. Record what they took, who was there, and how they acted. Details help us challenge the search later.
Why the Warrant Might Not Hold Up in Court
We’ve had numerous cases where:
The affidavit was based on faulty or secondhand information
Police exceeded the scope of the warrant
Items seized weren’t listed in the warrant
The warrant lacked probable cause altogether
When that happens, we file suppression motions and challenge the warrant’s validity—often leading to dismissals before trial.
A Search Warrant Isn’t the End. It’s Just the Beginning.
A search is frightening—but it’s also a legal opportunity. It gives us a chance to pick apart the police investigation, attack its flaws, and protect your rights before formal charges even hit.
But you must act fast—and stay silent until you speak with your lawyer.
If Your Home Was Raided or Your Phone Was Taken, Call Us Now.
You don’t have to wait to be charged to hire a lawyer. The best defense starts before charges are filed.
Call now or request a confidential consultation with award-winning criminal defense attorney Sarah Gad.🔗 Contact Us
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