Can the Police Enter Your House With an Arrest Warrant in Pennsylvania?

Arrest warrants can be executed in a person's home in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Code gives law enforcement broad authority in executing arrest warrants. There are limitations to their power, however, and they adhere to the general guidelines most states follow.

Pennsylvania Code

According to the Pennsylvania Code, a properly issued arrest warrant may be executed at any location by a police officer.

Reasonable Belief

Law enforcement officers may only enter a home if they have a reasonable belief the subject of the arrest warrant lives at the residence or is currently in the dwelling, as ruled by the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in Commonwealth vs. Muniz.

Limitations

An arrest warrant allows police to search the residence where the suspect is detained when the arrest takes place inside the home. However, if the subject of the warrant steps outside the residence and does not go back inside once arrested, the police need a separate search warrant to enter the premises.

References

• Pennsylvania State Code: Rule 515 Execution of Arrest Warrant
• Pennsylvania Courts: Superior Court Opinion
• Just Cause Law Collective: Dealing with Arrest Warrants