Weed 911: Who to Call When the Cops Knock

Though medical marijuana is legal in California, it is still a crime under Federal Law. Further, many cash-strapped local jurisdictions have ordinances on how medical marijuana can be grown and shared. This makes for a perfect storm of Fed cash funding local task forces to bust patients like you. You, your home, your assets, and your freedom are all targets for a Multi-Agency Drug Task Force.

Patients, caregivers, collectives, and cultivators need to prepare themselves for WHEN, not IF, the law will come knocking. You have rights. Make sure your staff and patients are aware of their rights and establish a policy to follow them. Run drills role-playing scenarios so your patients and staff are truly prepared for the oftentimes harsh treatment that they will suffer at the hands of raiding law enforcement.

What should you do when Law Enforcement shows up at your home or collective?

Here is a higher resolution PDF of the Search Warrant Rights sign.

The Search Warrant

A search warrant is issued by a judge based on the evidence presented by law enforcement. The Judge will have seen witness statements and other evidence. A warrant is the result of the Judge finding probable cause that a crime is being committed at a location, and that evidence of the crime will be found on the premises. A search warrant means cops are there to try to arrest someone. Everything you say and do once the police arrive can and WILL be used against you. Be careful, be safe.

If law enforcement agents claim to have a search warrant, you must let them in. They do not need to show it to you. They will break your door down if you do not open it.

Writing and executing search warrants are often complicated procedures and prone to error. To cover their bases, cops will present the warrant, and then ask, “Mind if we look around?” This is a trick to get your consent for a search. Always tell them that you do not consent to a search, even though the warrant gives them permission. “I DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH“

Let them in, be polite and professional. Do not try to explain the situation. Do not describe what you do there. There is no “mistake” to clear up. The police are there to send someone to jail. Do not make their job easier. You must identify yourself and answer basic booking questions like DOB and address. Otherwise, say nothing. “I CHOOSE TO REMAIN SILENT“

At this point, investigators are looking around, rummaging through your effects, and seizing “evidence.” Law enforcement will seize your medicine and inventory, they will destroy your plants, and they will take your computers and cash. Do not interfere with them, and have your attorney ask for an inventory of what was taken. You should keep digital backups of your papers and records remotely, perhaps saved on a Cloud Drive. If you have privileged documents, such as attorney-client communications, they should be stored separately and clearly identified. By now you should have called your attorney. “I WOULD LIKE TO CALL MY ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY”

An experienced criminal defense attorney will help protect you and your rights. An attorney will make sure the search warrant was properly issued and executed, though judges nowadays are loathe to ever second guess law enforcement, let alone overturn them. If you are arrested, the attorney will defend your status as a patient or caregiver with law enforcement, and also defend the documents, recommendations, and records establishing your legality. Discussing your medical recommendations or caregiver status with law enforcement will only help them build their case against you. For example, if you say: “But I have a recommendation to grow these plants,” the DA will present that to the jury as your confession for producing a controlled substance. Let your attorney do the talking.

Here is a sign created by Tully and Weiss for easy reference of your rights during a search warrant:

For your safety, and that of your staff and patients, consider posting this Search Warrant guidelines sign near the door of your home or establishment.

Here is a higher resolution PDF of the Search Warrant Rights sign.