Officers knock on an apartment door looking for a male suspect. A female opens the door and the officers learn from her that the suspect is not present and that she is his live-in girlfriend. The officers want valid consent to search. What legal options do the officers' have?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officers may obtain consent from the female without further inquiry if she has apparent authority over the premises, such as being a resident or occupant of the apartment. The fact that she is the suspect's live-in girlfriend indicates that she likely has sufficient authority to provide valid consent. However, the officers should still ensure that the consent is freely and voluntarily given, and that the scope of the search is limited to the areas where the suspect is likely to be found or where relevant evidence may be located.

Officers Knock on an Apartment Door Looking for a Male