Bellmawr, NJ asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Federal Crimes for New Jersey

Q: Can I find out who the complainant was responsible for precipitating the home raid by local cops with a drug warrant?

Nothing was found and no arrests were made. How do I find out who signed a sworn affidavit accusing me of drug activity?

2 Lawyer Answers
Louis A Casadia
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Hammonton, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: So do you mean the officer who brought the warrant before the Judge or perhaps a regular citizen that provided the evidence to support the warrant? They are required to leave a copy of the Warrant order which should say the name of the officer that applied for the warrant. As for who provided them with the evidence to support the warrant that would depend on alot of factors. If you were charged with a crime you would eventually get a copy of the Affidavit and that would tell you all the information that was provided to the court. However, the law protects the identity of "confidential informants" (CI) so if there was a CI that provided information and the warrant affidavit references them then you would have to file a motion to reveal their identity which is a high burden and to much to discuss in detail here.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: If you want to find out who filed the complaint that led to the home raid by local police, you can start by requesting a copy of the search warrant affidavit or the police report related to the incident. These documents may contain information about the complainant or the basis for the search warrant. You can typically obtain these documents through a formal request to the police department or the court that issued the warrant. Additionally, you may consider seeking legal advice from an attorney who can assist you in navigating the process and advocating for your rights.

It's important to note that the process of obtaining information about the complainant may vary depending on local laws and procedures. In some cases, the identity of the complainant may be protected for confidentiality reasons, especially if they are considered a confidential informant or if revealing their identity could jeopardize their safety. However, if you have a legitimate legal interest in knowing the identity of the complainant, such as defending yourself against false accusations, you may have grounds to request this information through legal channels.

Keep in mind that uncovering the identity of the complainant may not necessarily lead to immediate resolution or closure. It's essential to approach the situation with caution and to prioritize your legal rights and protections. Working with a qualified attorney who understands the legal process and can advocate on your behalf may be the most effective way to address your concerns and pursue any legal remedies available to you.

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