Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 224 sets the conditions for forcible entry to make an arrest: an officer who has announced his authority and purpose may break open a door only after being refused admittance. This is Louisiana’s “knock-and-announce” protection.
What the Statute Says
Art. 224. Forcible entry in making arrest
In order to make an arrest, a peace officer, who has announced his authority and purpose, may break open an outer or inner door or window of any vehicle, watercraft, aircraft, dwelling or other structure, movable or immovable, where the person to be arrested is or is reasonably believed to be, if he is refused or otherwise obstructed from admittance. The peace officer need not announce his authority and purpose when to do so would imperil the arrest.
La. Code Crim. Proc. — source: Louisiana State Legislature
Why Article 224 Matters to Your Defense
Article 224 matters because forced entry is lawful only after the officer announces authority and purpose and is refused admittance. Entries that skip these steps — bursting in without announcement — can violate the statute and the Fourth Amendment.
The knock-and-announce rule protects privacy, safety, and the sanctity of the home. Violations are a recognized basis for challenging how evidence was obtained.
How Our Attorneys Use Article 224
We investigate exactly how officers entered: did they announce authority and purpose, and were they actually refused admittance before forcing entry? Departures from Article 224 can support suppression and related remedies.
This pairs closely with our analysis of no-knock warrants under Article 162.3. See our Louisiana criminal procedure overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under Article 224, an officer may force entry to make an arrest only after announcing his authority and purpose and being refused admittance.
It requires officers to announce their authority and purpose and give the occupant a chance to admit them before forcing entry, except where a recognized exception applies.
An entry that violates Article 224’s announcement requirement can support a motion to suppress and other remedies, depending on the facts.
Charged in Louisiana? Talk to a Defense Attorney
If your case involves a forcible entry to arrest, the procedural details can shape the entire outcome. The Ambeau Law Firm knows how to hold the State to the rules. Contact us or call (225) 330-7009 for a free, confidential consultation.