QUESTION
Can a sheriff look at my purse when I wasn't there?
Asked on Apr 21st, 2014 on Criminal Law - Michigan
More details to this question:
I parked on a street where you couldn't park (I didn't notice) and I left by accident my car open. When I came back, the police officers where writing me a fine and they had my drivers license (I left my purse inside the car and they opened my purse, opened my wallet and got my drivers license out). Is that legal?
6 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Visalia, CA
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The Law Office of Gregory Hagopian
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No it is not. On the one hand, it is illegal for the police to perform any search unless they have a warrant. On the other hand, the officer's other option, in your case, was to have your car towed and impounded. The officer probably saved you several hundred dollars by doing what he did. You can weigh that in your own mind in deciding whether to complain or not.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2014 at 6:36 AM
Unfortunately, I would say yes due to the fact that you left your vehicle open.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2014 at 6:35 AM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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The purse was in plain view, so yes. You are lucky that someone didn't steal your purse. That would have cost you a lot more than a parking citation.
Answered on Apr 22nd, 2014 at 2:50 PM
James Edward Smith
If it was in plain view in an unlocked car-yes.
Answered on Apr 22nd, 2014 at 2:40 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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So far it does not seem to a violation of your rights.
Answered on Apr 22nd, 2014 at 2:31 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
Probably not since they did not need to go into your car to write a parking ticket.
Answered on Apr 22nd, 2014 at 2:28 PM