You should never, ever consent to a search of your vehicle by the police. Innocent or not, it is a ploy. What if a friend or acquaintance left something in your car that you are unaware of being there? Guess, who is going to be arrested?
Consider this, once you consent to a search, you have essentially given your attorney ZERO recourse in your defense, if one is needed. A search of your vehicle will rarely turn out in your favor.
Watch the videos below to see the appropriate way to politely refuse a search of your vehicle.
If you are worried about forgetting what to say or how to verbally assert your constitutional rights during a traffic stop, print out the card below (works better on card stock paper and/or laminated to maintain the integrity, but regular paper will work too), and keep it in your wallet or car. Hand the Constitutional Rights Card (first two pages filled in with your own information) to the officer along with your Driver’s License, Registration, and Proof of Insurance. The last page is just a list of things “To Do.” Do not hand this page to the officer. It is highly suggested to keep at least two of these cards in your car – one to hand to the officer and one for you to keep, in case you need to look at it during the stop. Please note, this card is for Alabama residents, but can easily be changed for any state.
Law-Enforcement-and-My-Constitutional-Rights-Card-Blank
Recent Comments