[sweet_diane]

"He said that once he refused consent, the officer performed the search anyway, because the refusal was a part of the grounds for "probable cause".

That was always my understanding. Once asked "do you mind if I search your car/belongings", you no longer have an option but to let them search.

[webschooner]

That was always my understanding. Once asked "do you mind if I search your car/belongings", you no longer have an option but to let them search.

That must be something they teach now in the gubmint screwels.

You do have another option, as Nancy Reagan said, "Just Say No!"