Mockeridge v. Harvey
USCA 6th Circuit (2025)
Secured denial of qualified immunity sought by three government inspectors who entered private property for “administrative” inspection purposes.
No Warrant. No Entry.
When government inspectors cross your property line without a warrant, your rights have been violated. Make them answer for it.
Serving all of Michigan in Federal & State Courts
Outside Legal Counsel PLC | Michigan’s Fourth Amendment Law Firm
Defending against unlawful government entry without a warrant.
Government Overreach is Spreading
Across Michigan, local governments are sending inspectors—zoning, code enforcement, health, and fire—onto private property without warrants. They call it “routine.” It's not.
Every unauthorized entry is a constitutional violation. Whether it’s your home, business, or farmland, the Fourth Amendment protects your right to privacy and property. A warrantless inspection is an illegal search.
Your Rights Under the Constitution
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.”
“The person, houses, papers and possessions of every person shall be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures. No warrant to search any place or to seize any person or things shall issue without describing them, nor without probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation.”
That protection applies to government inspectors, not just police officers. If a local (city, village, township or county) or state official enters your property without your consent — or without a signed warrant — you may have a claim under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1983) or under the Michigan Constitution.
Common Violations
- Inspectors entering homes or backyards
- Health officials photographing private property
- EGLE inspectors conducting "compliance checks"
- Code officers threatening fines for refusals
Your Remedies
- Damages or monetary judgments
- Injunctive and declaratory relief
- Suppression of unlawfully collected evidence
- Attorney fees where authorized
As Featured in the Press
Attorney: Warrantless searches are a growing problem in Michigan townships
WKAR - Attorney Philip Ellison claims local governmental officials in different municipalities have violated the fourth amendment rights of his clients.
Chalk it up: Michigan parking dispute could cover thousands
Associated Press - Lawyers who argued that a Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires have successfully turned the case into a class action.
Fourth Amendment lawsuit: Michigan man claims officials tricked him into waiving rights.
MLive.com - A Brady Township man has filed a federal lawsuit against local officials, claiming they duped him into allowing them onto his property whenever they want.
Property owners fight back against $25K daily wetland fines
Mich Cap Con - “My office has sued six different EGLE officials for violating the Fourth Amendment over the last two years,” Ellison said.
Judge: Couple’s rights violated
Alpena Daily News - The Mockeridges’ attorney said he’s happy with the court’s opinion and hopes that it serves as a warning to other government officials.
Michigan to destroy some blood spots in fight over consent
The Hill - The program still violates constitutional protections against searches and seizures and might not be fully understood by parents.
We’ve Repeatedly Proven It in Court
Real victories protecting Michigan property owners.
Mockeridge v. Harvey
Taylor v. City of Saginaw
E.D. Mich. (2022)
Declaring practice of warrantless chalking of vehicle tires as unconstitutional under the Fourth Amendment.
Thomson v. Peterson
E.D. Mich. (Pending)
Challenging EGLE official conducting an unlawful warrantless search of property when performing a compliance check without consent.
Generis Entertainment v. Donley
E.D. Mich. (Pending)
Challenging MLCC's practice of warrantless inspections of licensed premises.
Property Owners Getting Help
- Real courtroom experience — in both federal and state courts
- Focused constitutional litigation — not a general practice.
- Statewide representation — in every county in Michigan.
- Direct attorney involvement — your case matters.
“Securing either permission or a warrant is a necessary step demanded by the Fourth Amendment and not an empty formality.”
What To Do If an Inspector Entered Without a Warrant
Step 1
Do not allow entry without a signed warrant.
Ask to see the warrant. If there isn’t one, politely decline entry and document the interaction.
Step 2
Document everything.
Take photos, write down dates and times, keep all letters, tickets, and emails.
Step 3
Contact a constitutional attorney.
We file legal challenges, seek injunctions, and hold municipalities accountable.
Learn Your Rights
Mockeridge v. Harvey
The Case That Reaffirmed the Fourth Amendment
Watch this seven-minute video explaining the background of the Mockeridge case and how warrantless inspections are now clearly established Fourth Amendment violations.
Was Your Property Inspected Without a Warrant?
You may be entitled to damages or injunctive relief. Tell us what happened.