"A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer" - Robert Frost
Do I Have To Let a Police Officer Search Me or My Car When Asked?
 -Posted by Michael LeGris, Ann Arbor Attorney


Do I have to let a police officer search me or my car when asked?

The answer is a resounding “no.”

Many people feel they have to consent to a police officer’s request to search their car; however, there must exist certain reasonable or probable cause before a police officer can do so without a warrant or consent.

The common way a police officer gets around this requirement is to ask a person “what will I find if I search you or your car?” or “is there anything in the car I should know about?”

These questions should be answered with a polite “I do not believe I should answer that question without speaking to a lawyer.”

Always, deny a request to search you or your motor vehicle.



This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
© Copyright 2009, Michael LeGris