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Short answer, do NOT destroy the computer or flee. That is textbook obstruction and will turn a sketchy visit into a criminal case overnight. You were right to refuse a search without a warrant, keep doing that, but destroying evidence or running wiping tools is a dumb panic move.

Get a lawyer immediately, even a public defender if money is tight. Record everything from the visit now, names, badge numbers, what they said, time stamps, take photos of any paperwork or footprints. Do not log into accounts, do not run cleanup software, and if possible disconnect the machine from the internet and power it down until your lawyer tells you what to do. Turning it off is different from erasing stuff.

If the cops come back with a warrant, comply on your lawyer’s advice. If you’re honestly worried the allegation involves really serious crimes, get counsel fast, because those carry mandatory procedures and you need someone who knows how to handle evidence and interviews. And for the future, yes encrypt your drives and keep recovery keys offline, but that’s after you sort this with legal help.

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feannag@sh.itjust.works ⁨6⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
IANAL, but I think it’s only a crime if it’s destroyed after a warrant has been issued.

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- Ilovethebomb@sh.itjust.works ⁨6⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  I’m very glad you’re not a lawyer.
  
  shouselaw.com/…/destruction-of-evidence-charge/
  
  This says you just need to know what you were destroying was evidence, which Anon clearly does.
  
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  - Hoimo@ani.social ⁨3⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    
    do so knowing that the evidence is to be produced during a legal or court proceeding
    
    If they haven’t accused you of anything yet, deleting “how to rob banks.txt” is just normal cleanup. Anon can’t know what might be relevant evidence after some cops ask to see his computer and leave. Of course, some files may have legal restrictions regardless of crime, for example financial records.
    
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- hector@lemmy.today ⁨3⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  Or if a court has ordered you to preserve the information. And the establishment routinely flouts court orders to preserve information with impunity
  
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hector@lemmy.today ⁨3⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
It is very arguable it would be a crime to wipe a computer with only the police asking to warrantless search it. It’s a crime to destroy any evidence of a crime so I guess there is that.

They have no evidence there was a crime though. I don’t doubt they would charge it, but a jury wouldn’t likely convict because it’s a bullshit charge. You are under no obligation to incriminate yourself with your own evidence no matter what the police and prosecutors say.

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