Hartman Logo

Menu

Contact Us Today




    Firm Blog

    Top-Rated New Jersey
    Trial Attorneys

    Know Your Rights

    CITIZENS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE CONSENT TO SEARCH A CAR EVEN IF THE POLICE REQUEST CONSENT.

    Do you have to provide consent to the police if they ask to search your car? The answer is no, you do not have to provide consent. You have a constitutional right to reject a request for consent to search.

    The police generally need to obtain a search warrant to search anything. This includes a car. There are some exceptions to this general rule. If you provide consent to the police, they will be able to search your car lawfully. However, you are not required to provide this consent. You have the right to say “no.” You should then request to speak to an attorney.

    You should also know that police cannot even ask for your consent to search your car unless they possess Reasonable Articulable Suspicion that your car may contain contraband such as a gun, or illegal drugs. If the police cannot later demonstrate to the court that they had Reasonable Articulable Suspicion that contraband would be found, prior to asking for consent, then any search conducted pursuant to that consent could be declared an illegal search. If the Court makes such a finding, any evidence seized could be suppressed. This means that the police will not be able to use that evidence against you.

    The New Jersey Supreme Court recently dealt with the issue of “consent” searches again in 2013. In State v. Basko, the Court ruled that the consent that had been given was not valid consent. This was because the consent was tainted by a police officer’s threat to use a narcotics dog if the defendant withheld consent. Simply, the police cannot coerce you into providing consent. Any consent the police obtain as a result of threats may very well be thrown out, as in the Basko case. State v. Basko, 2013 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 601 (App. Div. March 15, 2013).

    If you are facing criminal charges for possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm, or possession of any other evidence that law enforcement intends to use to prosecute you, you should contact me immediately. I have taught the subject of search and seizure law to law enforcement for nearly a decade. I understand your rights and can guide you through your legal entanglements.

    If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact attorney Michael Mormando, Esquire, at the law firm of Attorneys Hartman, Chartered, at 856-393-6073.

    J.E.

    I was served with disciplinary charges at work which then developed into criminal charges. Katie explained each issue to me, and was able to resolve both the criminal case and my discipline! She was always available to me if I had questions and I am very happy with the outcome!

    I.D.W.

    After working with another attorney, who messed up my case, I hired Katherine Hartman to represent me. I found her to be sincere, trustworthy, knowledgeable and patient in explaining everything to me. In short, Katherine kept me out of jail and I would hire again! (Even though I hope I never have to see her again!)

    J.C.

    I highly recommend the Hartman Law Firm. Katie Hartman is a true professional, and an absolute advocate for her clients. She takes pride in making herself available for her clients in regards to questions or concerns relating to your case. She will leave no stone unturned!

    D.Y.

    I wish I could select a higher star rating. Our Company was assisted by Michael Mormando of Attorneys Hartman in a municipal case and we simply could not be happier with the way our case was handled. Michael was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He is a true master of his craft and we would highly recommend his services

    D.C.

    Katherine was such a pleasure to work with! She was very caring, responsive, and professional throughout my whole experience. I will continue to recommend her and her firm to all of my friends and family

    1/5
    Call Now