Do I have to consent when the police ask me to allow them to search my car or house?
Whitney S. Boan Protecting Your Right
Video Transcript
No you do not. If the police have reason to search your car or your house that’s sufficient under law they may do so without your consent even if you don’t give it. They may even have a search warrant or an arrest warrant that would allow them to enter the premises even if you tell them they cannot. However, you would have no obligation under the law to provide your consent to law enforcement. You should not do it without consulting with a lawyer first if you can make that happen before you’re put on the spot to make that sort of decision. When in doubt I would say do not give consent, even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong to the police to get into your house or your car, without talking to a lawyer first.