WHEN COPS COME KNOCKING
“Texas Criminal Defense Group was outstanding from the very first call my wife and I made to them. They helped our family through a difficult time that never should’ve happened in the first place and saw to it that the case was dismissed. Thank you to Breona Pace and the entire team for all that you’ve done!” — Brandon P. HAPPY TCDG CLIENTS
Many Americans consider their homes to be their sanctuaries. It’s where they raise their families, host holiday get-togethers, and relax after a long day of work. We don’t often let people into our homes whom we haven’t invited, especially if we’ve never met them before, but what happens when law enforcement is at the door, demanding entry? Do you have to let them in? It all depends on whether they have a warrant or a good reason for entering your property. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. The keyword is “unreasonable.” When law enforcement has a good reason, they can approach a judge to authorize a search warrant that allows them to search a specific location or person. Judges will only issue search warrants if there is probable cause, which means law enforcement must provide some evidence to support their suspicions. If law enforcement has a search warrant, you must let them proceed. There are circumstances where law enforcement officers do not need a warrant to search a person or their property. In most cases, officers will ask the individual if they can search or inspect the area before attempting to obtain a warrant. If you give permission, they can conduct a search. However, you can rescind your consent at any moment, and they must stop their search. Sometimes, law enforcement doesn’t need a warrant or permission to search. If they’re arresting someone, they can search that person and the immediate area. They can conduct a search if they see something illegal in plain view while in an area they are legally allowed to occupy. Additionally, they can enter your property if they believe immediate action is necessary or are actively pursuing a suspect who is evading capture. That said, they must leave the property as soon as the event ends unless they have a warrant. If you believe your rights were violated when law enforcement conducted an illegal search that led to criminal charges, you must seek expert legal counsel immediately. Do You Have to Let Them In?
Baked Feta, Tomato, and White Bean Skillet
Ingredients • 2 pints cherry tomatoes • 2 (15-oz) cans no-salt- added cannellini beans, rinsed • 4 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/4 tsp salt • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 6 oz feta cheese, packed in brine, cut into 4 pieces • 1 tbsp hot honey
• Basil leaves, for garnish • 4 slices toasted whole-
wheat country bread, optional, for serving
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 450 F. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, combine tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. 3. Drizzle with 5 tbsp of olive oil and stir gently. 4. Add feta pieces 2 inches apart in the mixture and drizzle with remaining olive oil. 5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst. 6. Remove from oven and drizzle with hot honey. Garnish with basil leaves, and serve with toast if desired.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
3 TEXASCRIMINALDEFENSEGROUP.COM | (888) 818-7130
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator