SHOULD I CONSENT TO A SEARCH?
No, under no circumstances should you ever consent to a search of your home, vehicle, or anywhere you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. If they have a legal justification (probable cause) to search, they will do it anyway, either by getting a warrant or doing it under a warrantless exception. It is sometimes the case that they do not have legal justification, but want to try to get around that by getting your permission.
Many people do not know that they have the right to refuse a search, and the police frequently take advantage of this. They also have no obligation to inform you of your right to refuse.
Won't I Look Guilty if I Refuse?
Regardless of how annoyed an officer may react when you refuse a search, refusing to allow a search is not an admission of guilt and does not create probable cause to search.
