No matter how polite or menacing an officer may be, you should never let them search your property without a warrant. As a citizen of the United States, you have the right to say no to a search…and here’s why you should exercise it.
1. It’s your constitutional right.
You have 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable searches. Unless an officer has probable cause (“strong” evidence), they need your permission to search your property. Whether it’s in your car, at your home, or on the street, you have every right to deny their search request.
2. Refusing a search can protect you in court.
Even if you say “no,” law enforcement may still search you or your property. The important this is to verbally deny their request, because the officer will have to prove in court that there was probable cause to do a warrantless search. Without probable cause and your agreement to a search, law enforcement may not have a case against you.
3. Saying “no” can prevent a search.
Simply remain calm and say “no” and there’s a good chance an officer will back down, because even if they find something, it may not hold up in court.
4. Searches can waste time and damage property.
If you’re innocent, why should you sit there and wait while police go through your stuff? If you agree to a search, officers may damage your property while looking for what they believe is there.
5. You don’t know what they’ll find.
Friends and family go in and out of your car and home. Are you sure there’s nothing illegal that an officer might find? Saying no will prevent a police officer from find a baggie of marijuana that your friend left in the backseat.
If you have already had your car or home searched for evidence against you, contact our experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys at The Draskovich Law Group, Chtd immediately. We can make sure that your legal rights are protected.
Call (702) 381-6590 or contact us onlineto speak with a representative.