I was pulled over for rolling through a stop sign. I consented to a search and weed and a pipe were found, but they were inside my locked glove box.
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I was pulled over for rolling through a stop sign. I consented to a search and weed and a pipe were found, but they were inside my locked glove box.
The officer said I failed to stop at a stop sign, went back to his car, then back to my car and asked to search, and I consented. I had my glove box locked, but I left the keys in the car when he asked me to get out. He used my keys to unlock the glove box and found the two bags and pipe. In the back of his car, he told me if I would be a CI, he would let me go with a notice to appear in court. He said he had to call his superior to make sure it was alright to give me the “notice to appear” rather than just arresting me and taking me down then. Was the officer allowed to unlock my glove box?
Asked on June 11, 2009 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
It doesn't matter if they were inside your locked glove box -- you consented to a search of the vehicle -- that includes your glove box -- this is law school 101 case law.
Yup, officer was allowed, especially if reasonable suspicion.
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