Is it legal to ask for a search from a DEA? 9 Answers as of February 14, 2012

Any time you enter an airport you consent to a search. The theory is that the greater good of the public out ways the inconvenience to one person. The government gets away with this with the notice stating that entering the area you are consenting to a search.

If he has probable cause he can search you without your consent. If he merely asked for permission to search you you have the right to refuse to give such consent.

DEA agents, or no other law enforcement officer, can randomly search you. They can pat you down for weapons or search "incident to an arrest" if they have probable cause to arrest you. Never consent to a search. But, if you were trying to board an airplane, the TSA has the right to search you before you board.

It's not illegal to refuse a search from a law enforcement official of any stripe. In fact, if you want to try to prevent anything they find from being used against you, you should definitely refuse. Otherwise, they will claim you consented. Refusing, however, is no guarantee that they won't search anyway. Nor is it a guarantee that you'll be able to keep anything they find from being used against you. There are many justifications law enforcement can use to support a search. It depends on the circumstances. You should consult an attorney right away if you've already been searched or think you might be.

Any time you are asked to consent to a search, you have the right to refuse unless you are on probation or parole and are subject to search and seizure as a condition of that probation or parole. You need to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney who will find out the particulars of your case and determine whether or not it is possible to challenge that search.

Yes. You do not have to consent to a search of your person or property for any reason. Now, refusing to consent does not mean the police won't search you or your property but they have to have a lawful reason for doing so. The law surrounding search and seizure is very fact specific and the only way to properly evaluate if a search was conducted lawfully is to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the details involved in your case. I hope this answer was helpful. Take care.

You have the right to say no and you should not assume that just because you say no that they will think you are guilty of something. Its true that they will suspect something however they must have probable cause for the search to be lawful and the jury or judge cannot consider the fact that you did not consent to the search for purposes of determining your guilt. You should never consent to a search and you should not offer a reason for your refusal. Simply say, No you cannot search my property.

Yes it is legal, but they will do all in their power to get you to agree. They will also call ahead to the place where you are going and those guys will also hassle you. This happened to a client of mine.

You may always, anywhere refused to be searched.....unless....they display a search warrant..then they may search.