Sgt.Murtaugh
Member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2010
- Messages
- 245
I know you can always say "no, I dont consent to a search" but what if a cop says to you "sir, please step out of your vehicle?" Can you say "I will not step out of my vehicle" and remain seated, without consequence?
Often times, and it has happened to me, a cop will ask "can I search your vehicle?" or "is there anything I should know about in your vehicle?"
In the past, I have simply said "No, I do not consent to a search of my vehicle, I would like to be on my way" and that response has sufficed. Usually, the cop looks aggravated but has no option but to let me be on my way. I take offense to such a question, especially since I am not carrying anything illegal in my car and I take offense to the fact that a cop would just ask that question without probable cause, but what can you do?
Now, I thought of this the other day - what if a cop asks you to step out of your car? Does stepping out of your car grant him permission to SEARCH your car? Is there any response to this question that will allow you to decline his command and stay within the realm of legality? This is a gray area that I would love some input on. I do keep a Ruger GP100 in my car, and it is legal to do so in the state of TX, but I don't want to tell a cop about my gun unless I have to and I certainly don't want to cause trouble with DPD. I also just want to know my rights.
Thanks
Often times, and it has happened to me, a cop will ask "can I search your vehicle?" or "is there anything I should know about in your vehicle?"
In the past, I have simply said "No, I do not consent to a search of my vehicle, I would like to be on my way" and that response has sufficed. Usually, the cop looks aggravated but has no option but to let me be on my way. I take offense to such a question, especially since I am not carrying anything illegal in my car and I take offense to the fact that a cop would just ask that question without probable cause, but what can you do?
Now, I thought of this the other day - what if a cop asks you to step out of your car? Does stepping out of your car grant him permission to SEARCH your car? Is there any response to this question that will allow you to decline his command and stay within the realm of legality? This is a gray area that I would love some input on. I do keep a Ruger GP100 in my car, and it is legal to do so in the state of TX, but I don't want to tell a cop about my gun unless I have to and I certainly don't want to cause trouble with DPD. I also just want to know my rights.
Thanks