Walk It Through: The Knock
7 a.m. to 8 p.m., a copy and a detailed receipt, and bail capped on a misdemeanor.
Officers knock at an apartment early one morning and say they have a search warrant.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One apartment and one arrest. No-knock warrants in detail, impaired driving bail, and garnishing bail money are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- No-knock warrantA warrant letting officers enter without first loudly and understandably announcing their presence and purpose and waiting a reasonable time, issued only where specific, objective facts show the occupants present an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm.
- Driving while impairedDriving, operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or cannabis products, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving.
- Fifth-degree assaultAn act done with intent to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death, or intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict bodily harm. A misdemeanor.
- Gross misdemeanorAny crime that is not a felony or misdemeanor. Where no other penalty is set, it carries up to 364 days, a $3,000 fine, or both.
- Money bailBail deposited in money, which belongs to the accused whoever deposited it, held until the case is finally disposed of. On most misdemeanors it can be no more than double the highest cash fine.