Being pulled over can be a frightening experience and if the police have any suspicions, it is likely that they may ask to search your vehicle. Law enforcement may phrase the request to sound like an order in the hopes that you will comply, but you are not legally obligated to consent to a search. While it may feel strange or wrong to say no to an authority figure such as a police officer, you are well within your rights to do so. Your Fourth Amendment right protects you and your property, including your car, from unlawful search and seizure by law enforcement. This means that unless you are being arrested, the police cannot search your vehicle without a warrant, probable cause, or your consent.
Following these tips can help you to stay safe and on the right side of the law in an encounter with the police:
- You have the right to remain silent: Most people are aware of this right but forget to use it when the time comes. While you have the right to deny a search, you also have the right to stay silent. Your Fifth Amendment right protects you from self-incrimination. While you may not think you are saying anything critical, simply saying that you are sorry may be taken as an admission of guilt. If the police continue to question you, state that you are invoking your Fifth Amendment right to stay silent. Limiting the information you freely give will greatly reduce the risk of self-incrimination.
- Always remain polite: While you do not have to consent to a search or converse with the officer, it is important to remain courteous and polite when dealing with the police. Your behavior can go a long way in determining the outcome of a traffic stop. Remaining calm will help demonstrate that you have nothing to hide and it will also leave little room for an officer to argue that your behavior was hostile or resistant. Once you answer basic questions about your identity ask if you are free to go. It is likely that the police will send you on your way.
- Contact an attorney: In the event that an officer is not dissuaded from searching your vehicle or you are placed under arrest, it is vital to contact an attorney immediately. You do not have to talk to police about the incident without an attorney present and you have a right to secure legal representation. An attorney will know your rights and can work to see that you are treated fairly and that your rights are protected.
While you do not have to give your consent, police may try several ways to “find” probable cause during a traffic stop. A gut feeling or a hunch is not enough for an officer to conduct a search, they must discover an actual reason or real evidence. An example of probable cause could be an open container of alcohol on your passenger seat or a strong odor of a controlled substance coming from your car. A reason such as a broken tail light, for which a cop may lawfully pull you over, does not constitute cause for a search of your vehicle. A critical factor to be aware of is your behavior and when dealing with the police, it is important not to give them anything to go on.
Award-Winning Criminal Defense in Florida
If you have been arrested after the search of your vehicle, it is critical to secure the legal services of Mitchell & West LLC. Our team of Miami criminal defense attorneys want to hear your side of the story and can build a defense tailored for your case. Our attorneys have years of experience defending the rights of clients in your situation and have been honored by numerous legal organizations such as Super Lawyers®. The sooner you contact our firm, the sooner we can begin building a top-tier defense.
Call (305) 783-3301 and schedule an initial consultation to discover your legal options.