What to do during a search to protect your rights

Every search can have its specific characteristics, but there are general steps you can take to protect your rights and minimize the risk of violations:

1. Call a Lawyer. If possible, immediately inform your lawyer about the search. Even if the investigator decides to proceed without their presence, this is an important step in protecting your rights.
2. Review the Court Order. Before the search begins, demand to review the court order issued by the investigative judge. Check the exact address and the list of items authorized for seizure. If the address does not match, demand that the search be stopped.
3. Record Everything on Video. The entire search process should be recorded on video. Remember: any statements you make about rights violations must be documented on video and included in the search report.
4. Document Seized Items. Every seized item must be thoroughly described in the report, including quantity, identifying features, and year of production (especially for money and valuables). Insist on photographing every seized item.
5. Challenge Violations. If there were any violations during the search or if items not listed in the court order were seized, file a complaint to have this information entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations (URPTI) and contact the investigative judge.

Remember: a search is an investigative action that should not violate your rights. Stay cautious, document everything in the report, and do not agree to any violations!