I’m generally on the side of folks who’ve been stopped and bullied into a search if these are in towns which are using these tactics to confiscate your cash by claiming it is drug money or even confiscate the car. This is a elaboration of the old ‘speed trap’ and works for the police because of anti=drug laws. A town on IH 90 east of Houston was notorious for these types of stops.
If you refuse the search they will often take you into custody for the ‘violation’ which results in a trip to the local jail, a wait for a magistrate for bail and a future trial and towing of your car where it will be searched to ‘inventory’ your personal property in the car.
But this usually happens in towns which are using these tactics as a cash cow on folks passing through since innocent people have to pay for an attorney and go to trial to get their property back.
But I’d like to know more since you appear to be a resident of the town and not passing through. Do the police have any reason to suspect you of illegal activity or have a grudge against you? Small town cops usually don’t want to harass a citizen of their own town.
Unfortunately this is WILCO....county motto is “Come on vacation, leave on probation”
Between my woman and myself, 5 of our last 6 stops have been for lighting issues (blinker, LP light, etc).
Thank you.
I have no reason to doubt this is true. And as such, WHY do so many FReepers say "No searching"; knowing this will be the result? Isn't it better to consent to a search rather than spend hours in jail/court, hundreds of dollars on towing and impound fees and perhaps thousands of dollars on attorney fees?
Or...
Is refusing to be searched the best alternative because most LEO's will back off and let you leave without an arrest?