Mapp v. Ohio 367 U.S. 643, 81 S.Ct. 1684, 6 L.Ed.2d 1081 (1961) Police officers forcibly entered Dollree Mapp’s home in search of a bombing suspect. In the course of the search, officers failed to produce a valid search warrant and denied Mapp contact with her attorney, who was present at the scene. While the […]
10 Rules
How to Stop a Police Search (Texas Style)
We just added this gem to our growing Success Stories page…
I recently got pulled over by the Texas Highway Patrol for an expired registration.
The cops double-teamed me — one at the passenger-side window and one at the driver’s side window, both talking to me at the same time, trying to confuse me. Each took turns sticking their heads as far as they could inside the car, looking around, and inhaling deeply.
After about five minutes of continuous sniffing, I finally asked one of the officers if everything was okay. "Just making sure you don’t have any weapons. It’s a safety thing. You mind if we take a look around?"
Of course, I knew the response. "I know you’re just doing your job, but I don’t consent to any searches."
About ten minutes into the encounter, one of the cops excitedly pointed at my cup holder. "Sir! What’s that white residue on your cup holder? I need to be sure that’s not something dangerous!"
I explained that the white residue was dust — dead skins cells and detritus that you normally see in a dirty-ass car like mine.
Anyway, I kept cool, asserted my rights in a calm manner, didn’t consent, and drove away without being searched. Not that I had anything to hide, but it felt good to assert my rights. Thanks for helping me do that.
— Paul from Texas