• info@gilmartinlegal.com

  • (708) 469-7940

Illinois Real Estate Attorneys in Cook County | Chicago DUI Lawyer | La Grange Lawyer and Law Firm

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Real Estate
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
    • Creditors’ Rights
    • Estate Planning & Probate
    • View More
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • info@gilmartinlegal.com

  • (708) 469-7940

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Real Estate
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
    • Creditors’ Rights
    • Estate Planning & Probate
    • View More
  • About Us
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Criminal Defense Lawyers La Grange, IL | Top Illinois Attorneys

What You Need to Know if an Immigration Agent Knocks on Your Door

21 Jun 2017

Some are nervous about changing immigration laws and how they may be impacted. It is important to understand your rights and what to do if you are stopped by an ICE Officer, or if one knocks on your door. The law protects against unreasonable search and seizure, so a law enforcement officer must have a warrant to arrest a person or to search a residence, unless they have probable cause. Continue reading to learn about what to do if an ICE Officer comes to your residence.

What is ICE?

ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration officers are often referred to as ICE officers. They are the officers that enforce immigration laws, border control, trade laws and homeland security. Their purpose is to protect public safety.

In the recent past, ICE has prioritized deportation of those with criminal convictions and those that try to cross the border illegally. The majority of illegal immigrants deported in the past several years had criminal convictions on record or were picked up at or near the border.

Priorities have changed and broadened with President Trump; however, the focus continues to be on public safety. The ICE website explains:

“President Trump has been clear in affirming the critical mission of DHS in protecting the nation and directed our Department to focus on removing illegal aliens who have violated our immigration laws, with a specific focus on those who pose a threat to public safety, have been charged with criminal offenses, have committed immigration violations or have been deported and reentered the country illegally.”

Steps to Follow if Officers are at Your Door

No matter who you are, it is nerve wracking to have a police officer show up at your door. Remain calm if this happens. Knowing your rights will help you to remain calm and act appropriately. If a police officer comes to your door:

  1. Keep your door closed.
  2. Ask them to identify themselves.
  3. Ask them why they are there.
  4. If they do not speak your language, ask for an interpreter.
  5. If they want to enter, ask them if they have a warrant signed by a judge.
  6. If they have a warrant, ask them to put it under the door.
  7. Examine the warrant. Make sure it is a judicial warrant, not just an ICE document.
    • If it is not a warrant, tell them that you do not consent to their entry.
      • If they force an entry, DO NOT RESIST. Tell them that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
    • If they have a warrant, allow them to enter, and tell them that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, and ask for an attorney.
      • Everyone else present at your residence can also exercise their right to remain silent.

Always:

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are stopped by a police officer.

  • Exercise your right to remain silent. In order to exercise your right to remain silent, you must state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
  • Ask to speak to an attorney. Always ask for an attorney. You have a right to an advocate. Your attorney will fight for your rights. Say: “I want an attorney.”
  • Be polite. Always treat the officers kindly. It is in your best interest to speak calmly, clearly and without anger.
    Be calm. You may be worried, upset and angry. Keep calm. Acting on your angry feelings will only cause more problems.

Never:

There are a few things you should never do when you are stopped by a police officer.

  • Lie. Lying will never help. It will only cause problems. Rather than lie, don’t say anything at all. Tell the officer that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent.
  • Show false documents. Showing false documents will only bring more charges against you. Do not compound your problems by showing false documents.
  • Sign anything without the presence of your attorney. Never sign anything unless you have spoken to your attorney. Your attorney can explain any documents and help you understand what you are signing and if you need to sign it.
  • Resist arrest. Resisting arrest likely ends with you, the officer or both injured and an additional charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a felony. Always cooperate. Cooperation doesn’t mean answer the officer’s questions. Politely explain that you wish to remain silent and want an attorney.
  • Argue. Arguing with the police will not help your cause. Never argue. If they continue to ask you questions, simply repeat, “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to my attorney.”

What are Your Rights?

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You have the right to an attorney.
  • You do not have to let an officer into your home unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
  • You do not have to allow an officer to search your body or your car unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. (Exceptions are if the officer has probable cause.)
  • You have the right to leave if you are not being arrested or detained. Ask the officer if you are free to leave. If you are free to leave, walk away slowly.

Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Today!

If you are arrested, it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Gilmartin Legal can defend against all types of criminal offenses. Give our office a call today, and get the help you need.

Recent Articles

latestwid-img

Checklist for Buying Unlisted Homes in Illinois

May 17, 2018
latestwid-img

Did You Know Your Right to Privacy is Diminishing by the Day?

March 13, 2018
latestwid-img

Thoughts for Buying a Condo

February 19, 2018
latestwid-img

Biggest Mistakes when Investing in Real Estate

December 6, 2017
latestwid-img

Incarceration Attorney

October 29, 2017

Trusted Attorney

Michael J. GilmartinClients’ ChoiceAward 2017

Leading Lawyer 2018 - Real Estate Lawyer Near Me - La Grange Attorneys

Emerging Lawyer 2016 - Gilmartin Legal - La Grange Lawyer

Newsletter Signup

Receive a Private Consultation with a Top Illinois Lawyer

Please fill out the form to get connected with a local attorney near you at Gilmartin Legal.

Gilmartin Legal is only licensed in the State of Illinois.

Call Today (708) 469-7940

Cook County, DuPage County, Will County

Gilmartin Legal is only licensed in the State of Illinois

12

Years Experience

101

Trusted Clients

1001

Successful Cases

100,000,000

Judgments Obtained
Real Estate Lawyers Chicago | Chicago DUI Attorney
Know Your Rights

Start your phone consultation today!

Gilmartin Legal is only licensed in the State of Illinois.

  • With a referral from The Chicgao [Chicago] Bar Association I found Gilmartin Legal. Mr. Michael Gilmartin took my case and offered me his timely attention. I live in Tennessee. My Father passed away leaving me a real estate mess with several properties and a tenant in Chicago who had failed to pay rent to my Father for over a year. Michael took care of everything while I was hundreds of miles away Including eviction of non paying tenant and sale of property.

    I would recommend Michael for someone who is looking for a lawyer that is well connected and cares about his clients, while simultaneously working behind the scenes to make his clients situation resolve smoothly. I am thankful for Mr. Gilmartin and his services. 10/10!!!

    James Stealy

  • Michael Gilmartin is one of the most professional attorneys I’ve ever met. He was responsive available informative and professional. He assisted me with a traffic violation from beginning to end successfully. His information his contacts all made his success possible. He was also very understanding and provided much empathy as most court cases are very stressful. One of the most important things for me as a female is to have an attorney who can put his self in my shoes and realize that any case whether small or large is very Trumatic for anyone without legal background. I recommend Michael Gilmartin as the attorney who will help you. Maria

    Maria

  • RECENTLY WHILE ON A BUSINESS TRIP TO CHICAGO AND WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE McCORMICK CONVENTION CENTER, I WAS TICKETED BY TWO POLICE OFFICERS. ONE TICKET FOR NOT WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND THE OTHER FOR HOLDING MY MOBILE DEVICE. I ASKED THE OFFICERS FOR A MAIL IN ENVELOPE SO I COULD SEND IN THE FINES FOR THESE TWO MINOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. THEY POINTED OUT THAT THEY HAD ASSIGNED ME A DATE AND TIME TO APPEAR IN COURT. I’M FROM NORTH CAROLINA; WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? I FELT PANIC, FEAR, ANXIETY, AND MORE. WHERE TO START? I EVENTUALLY CALLED MY CLIENT AND HE RECOMMENDED HIS ATTORNEY MICHAEL GILMARTIN. I CONTACTED HIM AND IN MOMENTS WAS FEELING BETTER. AFTER A COUPLE OF E MAILS I TRULY KNEW HOW UNDERSTANDING AND PROFESSIONAL THIS MAN WAS. HE APPEARED IN COURT FOR ME AND THIS ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. IF EVER YOU NEED A QUALITY, HONEST, EFFICIENT, AND TRUSTWORTHY ATTORNEY PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL GILMARTIN.

    Raymond

  • When my Mother passed away my Dad wanted a fresh start and contract a rent to own relationship on the home they spent together for over 30 years. Michael Gilmartin was sensitive, professional and ensured that my Father’s most valuable asset remained protected until the tenants were able to pay for the home in full.

    Since then Michael Gilmartin continues to be my go to for any and all legal matters.

    I highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice or assistance.

    Christina A

  • I hired Michael Gilmartin to help me navigate through a farm sale and received way more than I expected. Michael not only provided the legal council but also was able to help direct me down a path to address some tax issues I was encountering. The interaction with Michael was extremely comfortable and professional as he instructed me each step along the way. I now consider Michael as “my lawyer” and will use him any time I need legal guidance. Thanks Michael !!!

    Bob

  • After the sudden death of my sister, my teenage niece was left to figure out her mothers finances and how she can access her bank accounts, etc. Mr. Gilmartin was a wonderful asset in guiding us through this process and helping us fill out the paperwork needed. He treated us with such professionalism and responded promptly to our questions. I would highly recommend Michael for future legal needs.

    Kathy

  • I hired Michael to represent my wife and I during a real estate purchase. But he ended up doing so much more than merely reviewing documents. He advised us on financing and how to get some important documents through the local recorder of deeds quickly. In numerous ways, Michael went above and beyond to ensure we had a timely and smooth closing, making himself available as much as we needed. We were extremely pleased and appreciative of his guidance, and strongly recommend his services.

    Mac

  • Michael was very professional, responsive to all questions and did a great job on breaking down details within the paperwork during our closing. I would highly recommend him.

    Donna

  • My experience with Mike has been excellent. Mike really made me feel like I was his only client when I know that’s not the case. He was always easy to get in touch with and on top of every detail. After my dispute was settled, I retained him as legal counsel and plan to continue our relationship. Mike is #1 in my book and I highly recommend him.

    Jim

  • Michael did a wonderful job with the closing on my father’s house! He was always available to address our concerns and he negotiated a very fair settlement with the buyers. The closing was seamless and all parties were very satisfied. We highly recommend him!

    Mary

Michael J. GilmartinClients’ ChoiceAward 2017
Cook County Bar Association Lawyer | La Grange Real Estate Attorneys
Chicago Bar Association Lawyer | La Grange Real Estate Attorneys
Leading Lawyer 2018 - Leading Lawyers Chicago - La Grange Attorney
Emerging Lawyer 2016 - Gilmartin Legal - La Grange Attorneys
↑

Real Estate, Criminal Defense, DUI & More

Gilmartin Legal is a Leading Law Firm in Illinois. Downtown Chicago Law Firm experience in La Grange, IL. Find the right Attorney near you. Call Gilmartin Legal today!

Available 24/7: Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.

Real Estate Attorneys in Illinois | La Grange | Cook County | Chicago

Location

512 West Burlington Ave Suite 3, La Grange, IL, 60525

(708) 469-7940

info@gilmartinlegal.com

© Copyright 2016-2019 Gilmartin Legal. All Rights Reserved. Real Estate, DUI, & Criminal Lawyer Near Me | DISCLAIMER
Real Estate Lawyer | DUI Lawyer | Criminal Attorney | Chicago Lawyers Accepting Credit Card Payments | La Grange Lawyer

We deserve better. Get a private consultation with a leading lawyer in Illinois.

No thanks, maybe another time.