if a cop asks my permission to search my car but i refuse. what are the consequences of my refusal. does the cop simply forget about it? does he arrest me then obtain a warrant while im rotting away in a holding cell? basically, what happens? thanks in advance for all the input.

 

If they don't have a warrant or 'reasonable evidence' then they can't FORCE you. If they ask "MAY I search" your car, then you don't have to.

Where in the metro area are you?

 

i live in montgomery county in MD, cops round here are some cowboy wannabes. there isnt much action round here cause of mostly suburbs. so they like to pick on young people.

 

Well if you're a young black guy (I don't know ?) , then it's probably especially irritating. I know P.G. county is supposed to be crazy, but it's been a long time since I've lived in the metro area...

Remember you want to try not to **** off a cop though, you never know what they might do if you seem overly defensive, , rules or not, so if you don't actually have anything in your car, maybe you should just let them give you a clean bill of health.

 

i mean, i have nothing to hide, but simply out of principle, i dont want them to waste my time searchin my car. plus i want to drive away and still say no to a search. had a bad experience once where the cops were lookin for somethin to do and decided to mess with me and especially my friend who we had to take to ER later at night cause he got his nose busted up when they slammed him against my car for reasons unkown. thnx for your response.

 

You can give them permission to search. As soon as you say "search is over" they have to stop. They may not open a locked glove box w/ out a warrant even if drugs are dtected by a trained dog. If they have probable cause, they still may not search unless a dog has sniffed you out. Research and know your rights, they wont tell you. And, if you request a video for your evidence and it connot be produced as evidence for you, You will have your way.

 

Bingo.