Wrong-House Police Raids: Your Rights When Officers Hit the Wrong Address

Wrong-House Police Raid in Michigan? Your Rights & Lawsuits | Cromer Law

Michigan victims of wrong-house police raids can sue for property damage, trauma, excessive force, and constitutional violations. Learn your legal rights.

1. The Growing Problem of Wrong-House Raids

Wrong-address raids have surged nationwide, including cities in Michigan. Whether due to sloppy investigation, bad warrants, or clerical errors, officers sometimes break down the wrong door, terrorize families, injure occupants, and destroy property.

This is unconstitutional and legally actionable.

2. Why Wrong-House Raids Are Unconstitutional

A wrong-address raid often violates:

• Fourth Amendment (unreasonable search/seizure)

• Fourteenth Amendment (due process)

• §1983 civil-rights protections

Michigan courts and the Sixth Circuit repeatedly hold that:

Police must verify the correct address before breaching a home.

Failure to do so = liability.

3. You May Have Claims For:

• Excessive force

• Destruction of property

• Emotional distress

• PTSD

• Wrongful arrest

• Assault or battery

• Damage to business or livelihood

4. Who Can You Sue?

• The officers entering the wrong home

• The police chief

• The city (Monell liability)

• SWAT team members

• Federal agents (under FTCA if applicable)

5. What to Do After a Wrong-House Raid

• Take photos/videos immediately

• Document damage

• Seek medical/mental health care

• Obtain the incident report

• DO NOT speak to police without counsel

The Cromer Law Group PLLC Can Help

We represent families traumatized by wrong-house raids and fight to recover:

✔ Property damages✔ Emotional distress✔ Medical bills✔ Lost wages✔ Punitive damages

📞 Call (248) 809-6790 for a free consultation.