Can the police enter my home without a warrant?
As a rule, no — a judicial warrant is required. Every search and seizure must be authorised by a judge: the investigating body must show sufficient grounds and state the purpose, and the warrant itself must be shown to you. There is one exception — urgency — where the search is the only means of gathering and preserving evidence, that is, where there is material to suggest that unless officers enter immediately the evidence will be destroyed or concealed. Even then, the record of the search must be subsequently approved by a judge within 24 hours. If the judge does not approve it, the evidence gathered is inadmissible — it cannot be used against you.
📋 The rules
- A search is authorised in advance by a judge
- The warrant must be shown to you
- Without a warrant — only in cases of urgency
- The record is approved by a judge within 24 hours
- An unapproved record: the evidence is inadmissible
🔓 Exceptions
- Urgency exists only where this is the sole means of preserving evidence
- The search is conducted in the presence of lay witnesses and recorded in a protocol
- You can complain and claim damages for an unlawful search
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The sanction falls on the process, not on you: a search without a proper warrant and without subsequent approval renders the evidence gathered inadmissible — it is excluded from the case. So how you behave at the door matters: ask to see the warrant, note the officers' names and numbers, insist on lay witnesses, read the record and write your objections into it before signing. Do not resist physically — that is a separate offence and puts nothing right. An unlawful search can be challenged, and damages claimed for it.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Criminal Procedure Code →
- Bulgarian Helsinki Committee · Rights on search →
- Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria →
❓ Frequently asked
Can the police enter without a warrant?
As a rule, no. A search is authorised in advance by a judge, and the warrant must be shown to you. The only exception is a demonstrated urgency.
What counts as "urgency"?
Where the search is the only means of gathering and preserving the evidence — that is, where there is material to suggest it would be destroyed or concealed if officers did not enter at once.
What if they enter without a warrant?
The record must be approved by a judge within 24 hours. If the judge does not approve it, the evidence gathered is inadmissible and cannot be used against you.
What should I do during the search?
Ask to see the warrant, note the officers' names, insist on lay witnesses, and read the record, writing your objections into it before you sign.
Can I refuse to let them in?
Do not resist physically — that is a separate offence and puts nothing right. The lawfulness of the search is challenged afterwards, in court, and damages can be claimed.
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