NO, You May Not Search!!
If any law enforcement officer asks to search your car, your person, your house, or even your outhouse, SAY NO!
If you consent to a search, you’ve just giving a away a possible defense in your case. Any evidence the officer finds will most likely be admissible against you in court. We can’t argue that it was illegally obtained, since you allowed the search.
But won’t the officer search anyway? Maybe. However, if you politely refuse the search, the officer has to have probable cause to override your refusal. If he searches without probable cause or a search warrant, we should be able to keep out any evidence he finds.
But what if you don’t have anything to hide? You better be darn sure! Do you know exactly what is in every nook, cranny, compartment, and ashtray in your vehicle? Have friends or acquaintances left anything behind without your knowledge? If it’s in your car, you’re likely to be charged for it.
Please understand that I’m not encouraging you to be rude or confrontational. Always be polite and respectful to law enforcement officers. But firmly exercise your right to refuse any search.
Photo by ladybeames
