The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects Americans from arbitrary searches and seizures. This means that government officials cannot legally violate this protection. Any evidence gathered during an illegal or unreasonable search of a car cannot be used against the person in court.
But what makes a search unreasonable or illegal? What qualifies as an unauthorized search and seizure and especially when it comes to vehicles? This blog will clarify these differences and help you understand what constitutes a legal versus an illegal search.
What Is A Legal Search and Seizure?
The legal phrases “search” and “seizure” mean two different things. Seeking evidence is the act of a search, whereas seizing objects or property is the act of a seizure. To guarantee that they are carried out legally, both are protected by the law. This frequently calls for probable cause or a warrant, which implies that there has to be a solid case for the existence of criminal activity.
Police officers may have the right to search a car during a traffic stop, collect evidence without a warrant, and even open closed containers. The United States Constitution’s Fourth Amendment shields citizens from arbitrary searches and seizures. But the definition of “reasonable” has changed throughout time to take into account shifting society norms and legal interpretations. What makes a search and seizure illegal? What is illegal search and seizure in a vehicle?
What is An Illegal Search and Seizure?
An unreasonable search and seizure can happen in many ways but here are the main three.
- When it is done without a valid search warrant signed by a judge or magistrate detailing the place, person, or items to be searched or seized
- Without probable cause to believe that a specific person, place, or vehicle contains criminal evidence
- Beyond the authorized scope of the search.
Such actions are unconstitutional, violating the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals’ reasonable expectation of privacy from government intrusion. In this blog we’ll focus on the second one: without a probable cause to believe that a “vehicle” contains criminal evidence. What is illegal search and seizure in a vehicle?
What is Illegal Search and Seizure in a Vehicle?
An illegal search and seizure of a vehicle happens when police officers search your car or take items from it without following legal procedures.
Officer actions that could violate your Fourth Amendment rights include:
- Unreasonably prolonging the traffic stop
- Stopping you without a valid reason
- Lacking probable cause to search your vehicle after stopping you
If a traffic stop leads to a vehicle search and seizure of evidence, a legal team can potentially challenge the legality of the search or the admissibility of the evidence found.
For example, if they don’t have a valid search warrant, don’t have your consent, or don’t have a strong reason (probable cause) to believe there’s evidence of a crime in your car, the search is illegal. Additionally, if they go beyond what the warrant allows, like searching your home when they only have permission to search your car, that’s also illegal. These protections are in place to uphold your Fourth Amendment rights and ensure your privacy is respected. Now, can a police officer search and seize your vehicle without your consent?
Can a Sea and Seizure Occur Without Consent?
Yes, a search of a vehicle can happen without your consent or a warrant under certain circumstances.
- Probable Cause: If police officers have a strong reason to believe that your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without a warrant.
- Incident to Arrest: If you’re arrested, police can search your vehicle for evidence related to the arrest.
- Plain View: If an officer sees something illegal in plain sight inside your car, they can search your vehicle.
- Exigent Circumstances: If there’s an urgent situation, like the need to prevent the destruction of evidence or ensure public safety, police can search your car without a warrant.
These exceptions to the warrant requirement are designed to balance law enforcement needs with individual rights.
When Vehicle Searches Are Legal
A law enforcement officer can search your vehicle under the following conditions:
- You give consent.
- The officer has probable cause to suspect criminal activity or find evidence.
- The officer believes a search is necessary for their safety (e.g., suspicion of a concealed weapon).
- You are under arrest.
Even without authorization, an officer may ask to search your vehicle. You can refuse, and later challenge an illegal search in court. However, if you consent, any found contraband can be used against you. Generally, vehicle search rules are less strict than those for homes. Officers can search areas within the driver’s immediate reach, such as the glove box or front seat, without a warrant if they suspect weapons or threats.
Routine traffic stops, like for speeding, usually don’t allow for searches unless the officer suspects an occupant is armed or dangerous. For example, officers can seize evidence in plain view without a warrant. For example, if an officer sees a glass pipe with drug residue during a traffic stop, they can seize it and search the car for more drugs. The search must stay related to what was seen. An officer finding an illegal weapon can’t search a wallet for drugs since a wallet can’t hold a weapon.
But if you’re stopped without a valid reason, any evidence found may not be used in court. Officers should explain the reason for the stop, and you have the right to ask. Always be ready to show your license, registration, and insurance.
If you feel like you’ve been a victim of illegal search and seizure, contact Kirakosian Law today in order to start your case.
