Guide

What to do during a search of premises: a step-by-step guide

A search of premises is sudden and stressful. This guide will help you stay calm and avoid harming yourself with rash actions. It is general information only and does not replace personal advice from an advocate in your specific situation.

The main rule: your task is not to “win the case” on the spot, but not to make your position worse before the advocate arrives. The best action in the first minutes is to call your defence advocate.

1. Stay calm and do not physically resist

The first minutes matter most. Do not panic, do not try to hide, destroy or remove anything — this may be treated as separate acts and make the situation worse. Do not get into a physical confrontation with the officers.

2. Check the grounds and the documents

You have the right to read the document on the basis of which the search is conducted, and to write down the details of the people who came.

Ask the officers to show their service IDs; note their names and positions.
Read the ruling of the investigating judge, or the other stated basis for the search — its details, the address, what exactly is being searched for.
Check whether the address in the document matches yours.

3. Call an advocate immediately

This is your key right. You have the right to legal assistance, and it is the advocate who will monitor the lawfulness of what happens during the search. If you are connected to Defend24 — press the “Alert” button in the bot, and an on-call advocate will be dispatched to you.

State out loud that you want the search to be conducted with your advocate present, and that the advocate is already on the way. Ask for this to be entered in the official record.

4. Use your right not to testify against yourself

You have the right not to give explanations and not to answer questions until your advocate arrives. This is not a sign of guilt — it is your lawful right. It is best to politely say that you will give all explanations in the presence of your defence advocate.

5. Observe and record what happens

If possible, involve two attesting witnesses who have no interest in the case.
Make sure everything seized is entered in the official record with an inventory.
Note the start and end times and the list of those present.

6. Read the official record carefully before signing

Do not sign the record without reading it. Check that it accurately reflects everything seized and how the search proceeded. If you have objections — write them into the appropriate field in your own hand before signing. You have the right to receive a copy of the record.

Typical mistakes to avoid

Giving hasty explanations “to get it over with”.
Signing documents without reading them.
Trying to hide or destroy items.
Getting drawn into conflict or provocations.
Staying without an advocate when you can call one.

With Defend24 you do not have to search for an advocate under pressure at the critical moment. One signal — and an experienced defence advocate is already on the way. Connect →

This material is for information only and is not legal advice. For action in your specific situation, consult an advocate.