The Supreme Court ruling that anchors one of the POP phrases. Plain-English summary below, with the precise phrase to invoke and when to use it.
Any time the officer proceeds with a search without asking — say this clearly to preserve the consent issue on the record. Refused consent is what makes the State prove probable cause later, instead of letting a tacit "okay" stand in for one.
The Supreme Court held that a warrantless search of a vehicle is valid when officers have probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime. This is the "automobile exception" — the foundation for every warrantless vehicle search. Refusing consent does not stop the search if probable cause exists, but it forces the State to defend probable cause on the record and preserves the issue for later suppression.
Open Stop Mode on your phone — pinned phrase, recording timer, and live legal context.
Open Stop Mode