Do You Have to Let Police Officers Search Your Car in Arizona?
A police officer in Arizona can lawfully search your car without a warrant in the course of a lawful traffic stop or other cause for questioning or detention if the officer has probable cause to believe there are illegal items in the car, or if the officer sees something illegal in plain sight inside the car. Additionally, if a police officer has impounded your car in connection with a crime, they can lawfully search it. Read on to learn the difference between reasonable and unreasonable searches and when it is and isn’t okay for a police officer to search your car.
Reasonable vs. Unreasonable Searches
In Arizona, a search by a police officer is considered reasonable if the officer can see something illegal that is out in plain sight, whether it’s through the window of the car, out on the seat, on or about your person, or on the exterior of the car. A search is also allowed if the officer fears for his life, or if you’re under arrest or the car has been impounded. The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and that protection extends to your vehicle. An unreasonable search and seizure is one executed without a legal search warrant signed by a judge allowing for the specific search of the vehicle in question, a search performed without probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains criminal evidence or was used in the commission of a crime, and/or a search that is beyond the authorized scope outlined by a warrant.
What to Do if a Police Officer Wants to Search Your Car
If you are the subject of a traffic stop or are being detained in your vehicle for any reason and an officer asks if he can search your car, he likely doesn’t have a warrant. If an officer could see evidence of illegal activity in plain sight, he would not bother asking if he could search your car. You do have the right to deny the search of your vehicle, but it may be best to call an attorney and advise the officer to speak with your attorney before proceeding. If the officer has no reasonable cause to search your vehicle but you give consent to a search, you will have no legal recourse or defense if the officer finds evidence of a crime.
When You Can Decline an Officer’s Request to Search Your Car
You can legally deny an officer’s request to search your vehicle if you know that:
- The officer does not have a warrant
- The officer has not identified any reasonable cause for the search
- The officer has not discovered any illegal activity, substance, or items in plain sight
- You aren’t under arrest
- There is no reasonable cause for the officer to believe he is in danger
- Your vehicle hasn’t been impounded
- You have not given consent
Are There Consequences for Denying an Officer’s Request?
Under Arizona law, there is no legal punishment associated with denying an officer’s request to search your vehicle. An officer may try to convince you that a refusal for consent to search is grounds for arrest, but that is not true. If you feel bullied or the officer is trying to exert pressure on you to consent to a search, you should call an attorney immediately and advise the officer that is what you’re doing.
Exigent Circumstances
Exigent circumstances are ones that are outside the norm, and allow an officer to take immediate action and secure, search, and remove items from your car. In Arizona, the exigent circumstances that may allow an officer to search your car without a warrant are:
- The officer believes failure to search and seize will result in the destruction of evidence, threaten public safety, or assist in or cause the suspect to flee
- The officer believes the vehicle was used in the commission of a felony or was involved in a car chase or pursuit after the commission of a felony
- The officer believes an emergency situation is in place and a search will prevent the destruction of evidence, protect officers or the public, or prevent suspects from fleeing
- The officer has probable cause to believe the car contains evidence of a crime
Contact Janet Altschuler Today
If you’re not sure if an officer had the legal right to search your vehicle and/or remove items from it without your consent, contact criminal defense attorney Janet Altschuler today. Our dedicated, knowledgeable team of legal experts can evaluate your specific case and the circumstances surrounding the search of your vehicle and determine the best way to proceed. Call us today at (520) 247-1789 to schedule a free consultation or find out more information about our services.