💡 Update April 2026:
The topic of digital evidence (smartphone, laptop & cloud) is now central to house searches. As the legal situation regarding biometric unlocking (Face ID) and PIN codes is very dynamic, we have created an in-depth special guide on this topic: 👉 Cell phone confiscated: Everything about PIN code, Face ID and sealing
House search 1×1
What you need to know when the police are at your door.
Emilio Escobar:
Just hypothetically: What should I do if the police come to my door one day to search my house?
Answer:
Hello Emilio
The public prosecutor’s office orders a house search if it already has a suspicion and now wants to seize evidence, objects or assets in particular.
In such situations, it is important to remain calm and respectful. First of all, the search warrant should be read carefully. A lawyer should then be contacted immediately – while the house is still being searched.
Information should only be given to the police in consultation with your lawyer. If a cell phone, computer or documents are seized, it makes sense to demand that they be sealed immediately. As the legal situation regarding the search of smartphones (keyword: PIN code and Face ID) is particularly sensitive, we have dedicated an in-depth guide to this topic: Cell phone confiscated: rights, PIN code and sealing
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about house searches
A house search is ordered by the public prosecutor’s office if there is already suspicion of a criminal offense. Its main purpose is to find and secure evidence, certain objects or assets.
In this situation, you should above all remain calm and respectful. First of all, read the search warrant carefully and contact a lawyer immediately afterwards, if possible while the search is still taking place.
No, you should only make statements to the police after consulting your lawyer. It is your right not to make any statements until then.
If objectssuch as your cell phone, computer orIf documents are seized by the police, you should, in case of doubt, immediately demand that they be sealed. The police are then not allowed to read the data for the time being. All details on this and whether you can PIN code, read our special article on cell phone confiscation.
No, you don’t have to and it is not advisable – without discussing it with a lawyer in advance.
Matthias Fricker
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
Fabian Füllemann
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
