When to Refuse to Consent to a Police Search in Chicago

Chicago Criminal Lawyers Protecting Your Fourth Amendment Rights

You have every right to refuse to consent to a search of your home or vehicle. The police can only conduct a search if:

• A warrant has been issued by the court;
• An emergency situation exists; or
• You consent to the search.

You should never grant consent for the police to conduct a search without a warrant.

In the absence of a search warrant or a legitimate emergency situation—which is extremely rare—law enforcement personnel have no authority to search your home or car. If you are stopped by police, the officer is permitted to “frisk” you without a warrant, but that is as far as a search can go. Police cannot even access your cell phone or another mobile device without a warrant.

Defense Lawyers in Chicago Protecting You

When evidence is found or seized during an illegal search, in most cases, it cannot be used against you. At Luisi Legal Group, our experienced lawyers understand the importance of suppressing evidence that has been improperly obtained. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches, and, at our law firm, protecting that right is our top priority.

Founded in 2000, Luisi Legal Group is dedicated to helping clients charged with any type of criminal offense. We realize that drug and weapons cases often hinge on evidence seized during police searches, and, without such evidence, prosecutors frequently have little choice but to dismiss the charges.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

If the police have asked to search your car or home, you need legal assistance right away, regardless of whether you consented to the search. Contact our office and speak to an experienced lawyer about your options under the law. Call Luisi Legal Group at 773-276-5541 for a free consultation today and get the help you need. From offices in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, we are proud to serve clients in Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park, and throughout Cook County.