Originally posted by mustangdan429
if they suspect anything? like you have been drinking or smoking? i hate how broad it is..."IF THEY SUSPECT ANYTHING?!"
thats dumb, they can always just say they thought you were smoking...laws make me angry sometimes(but what can we do?!)
Originally posted by Groovyash
No, not "anything" I need probable cause to conduct a warrantless search on a vehicle. Probable Cause has to consist of "something" tangible, hunchs alone do not count. Now I can use all 5 senses to establish probable cause that you have contraband in your vehicle, and no 1 thing has to be the dead giveaway, rather taking in the totality of the circumstances can establish PC. For instance, I walk up on a car and notice an empty holster in the back seat through the window...it's certainly reasonable to think there is likely also a firearm in the car. Or if you role down your window when I stop and you absolutely reek like pot. These are tangible things which lead me to believe contraband is in your vehicle and that I could articulate in court.
Dan
Originally posted by bkint
Is it true that if your glovebox or trunk is locked, can they pry them open?
Originally posted by SVT4ME
They do what they want most of the time. Say your acting strange. Well acting strange just means your wierd. I know most cops will take this the wrong way but all the cops I've come across will search the car whether u let them or not. In the end I was always let go with out any reason or told anything then your free to go. Four times and only once did they have a reason to stop me!
Originally posted by bkraith
An officer can only search your car if he has permission of if he sees something funny in your car. I never give them permission to search my car.
Originally posted by Groovyash
No, not "anything" I need probable cause to conduct a warrantless search on a vehicle. Probable Cause has to consist of "something" tangible, hunchs alone do not count. Now I can use all 5 senses to establish probable cause that you have contraband in your vehicle, and no 1 thing has to be the dead giveaway, rather taking in the totality of the circumstances can establish PC. For instance, I walk up on a car and notice an empty holster in the back seat through the window...it's certainly reasonable to think there is likely also a firearm in the car. Or if you role down your window when I stop and you absolutely reek like pot. These are tangible things which lead me to believe contraband is in your vehicle and that I could articulate in court.
Dan
Originally posted by bkint
Is it true that if your glovebox or trunk is locked, can they pry them open?
Originally posted by DMcBrideBoston
In the state where I live, MA, unless you grant the officer permission to search the trunk/glove box, these area's are off limits. PC is limited to field of vision. If the person is thought to be high or drunk or carrying a weapon; the police officer would take the person into custody, impound the vehicle and if a warrant was granted at a later time, the trunk/box could be opened.
Only the passenger compartment is subjec to search during a routine stop.
Unless there is PC to open it; (ie) Someone banging on the trunk from the inside, a bag of dope seeping from the glove box.
Dave
Originally posted by cammer00gt
to the guy that says he always says no to an officer to search the car. All the officer has to do is call for a k-9 and even though the the dog doesnt hit on something in the car it can be made that the dog did hit on something and then ur nice paint job will have claw marks on it . if an officer expects something and you no there isnt anything to worry about let em search .
By the way im a sheriff deputy.
Originally posted by hunterp
Someone says no to a search and an officer goes out of their way to make their lives difficult and possibly cause damage to their property simply because they exercised their constitutional rights to limit a fishing expedition. Our rights exist for a reason, and a person should not have to suffer retribution for exercising those rights.