Legal Searching?

[Swav107]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I am just curious on the search and seizure laws in Michigan. Lets say I get pulled over, does a police officer have the right to search my car or trunk? When I got pulled over for my Possession charge, he didnt search my trunk. Even if they see an illegal substance, does this give them reason to search your car? I heard (not a trustworthy source) that you need a warrant to search anything locked in the car including the trunk and glovebox.

 

[stephenk]

based on your general facts the answer is "it depends".

 

[CdwJava]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

I am just curious on the search and seizure laws in Michigan. Lets say I get pulled over, does a police officer have the right to search my car or trunk? When I got pulled over for my Possession charge, he didnt search my trunk. Even if they see an illegal substance, does this give them reason to search your car? I heard (not a trustworthy source) that you need a warrant to search anything locked in the car including the trunk and glovebox.

If you were arrested, and MI state law permits impound inventories at an arrest, there is USSC case law that permits them to search the entire vehicle as part of an inventory prior to a lawful impound.

Any stop that results in your vehicle being impound could allow the cops to search.

- Carl