When Do Police Need a Warrant to Search my Vehicle?
In most cases, a police officer is required to secure a warrant to search your car, but according to Business Insider, there are a few times when they don’t actually need a warrant. Officers of the law can search your vehicle without a warrant if:
- You give them consent to do so. In most cases, you probably feel obligated to say yes because saying no to an officer might have you facing a charge for something you actually didn’t do.
- When something is in “plain view.” For instance, if the officer looks in the window without having to search hard and notices a small bag of marijuana, that would be a reason for the officer to have search your vehicle now because you are in possession of an illegal substance, but it was in “plain view.”
- You are pulled over and arrested. In some instances, the officer may be permitted to search your vehicle after this occurs.
- If the officer believes a crime has been committed. An example provided is if an officer pulls you over and you have a black eye, blood on your seat, and a ripped up purse. While each individual thing isn’t a crime, all of them together may leave an officer suspicious and feel the need to search your vehicle.
- When there are “exigent circumstances.” If a police officer thinks evidence is about to be destroyed, it gives them the right to break every rule to avoid losing the proof you were doing something wrong. Obviously, they shouldn’t be applying excessive force, however, this does occur and is commonly viewed as police brutality.
The media has done a great job at displaying just how often police brutality occurs, yet, it also tells us that many of the officers who commit the crime aren’t punished for doing so. If you are a victim to police abuse or misconduct, it is time you bring your claims forward to one of our skilled and trustworthy police brutality lawyers in Virginia and allow them to represent your case.
If you’ve been the victim of police brutality in Virginia, a police injury lawyer can help. Please call USAttorneys.com today at 800-672-3103 for a free consultation with a police brutality lawyer in Virginia.
