Is It Legal to Ignore the Police at Your Door in Michigan?

It's one thing not to answer the door for a stranger but what about when the police come knocking? Are you required to answer the door for the police in Michigan?

We understand that a knock at the door from the police can be a little unsettling, especially if it’s unexpected. Let’s be honest—they don’t usually come knocking for the fun of it. In most cases, it means something is wrong.

The whole experience can be intimidating, to say the least.

Are You Required by Law to Answer the Door for the Police?

No, you are not required by law to answer the door for police in Michigan. According to The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart, you can choose to ignore the knock or step outside and close the door behind you.

You might believe that, if the police knock on your door, you have an obligation to answer it. That is not the case. Opening your door provides police the opportunity to see inside your home and potentially find probable cause to enter based on something in plain view or reasonable suspicion.

Most Michigan residents would simply answer the door. I can't think of a reason not to. Of course, that is unless you're hiding something. If you did nothing wrong, you have nothing to worry about.

The general rule is: Police may not enter a residence to make an arrest without a warrant, and if they do, evidence found may be excluded.

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Sometimes the police just want to know if maybe you saw a suspicious vehicle in your neighborhood or something like that. Just because the police knock on your door, doesn't mean they're out to get you. However, in some cases they are. That's on you at that point.