CA Lawyer here... Please be clear in understanding that while I am a lawyer, I’m NOT your lawyer and this is in no way to be taken as legal advice.

Had an acquaintance argue with me about search warrants. Before I begin it’s important to state that the Law is so complex and different facts can lead to an exception in the rule, and therefore has another rule that applies. The problem is when you know you’re right, but you already know that when they google it they will have their answer own answer confirmed, because they aren’t knowledgeable enough to know that this situation is a departure from the general rule.

This happened about a year ago. A younger cousin of a friend believes that a search under the 4th Amendment requires a search warrant. Well, it does... when it doesn’t. I explain to him that a warrant is required, unless you consent (he gets that) you’re in a car in public, or there are exigent circumstances (basically emergency type of situations which would allow law enforcement to go into a residential property.) Vehemently disagrees with me. He says I’ll google it, first thing that popped up was that a search requires warrant, and he says see. On the inside I start getting angry, because.. well because I went to Law School and passed the Bar and do this everyday for a living, not to mention it’s a true passion of mine. I try to explain, but he’s having none of it. I quickly let it go.

He then says if Law Enforcement unlawfully try’s to arrest you, you can resist. I tell him nope, you handle that when proceedings start. Doesn’t believe me and I say “ok”.

2 weeks later he gets arrested because he was pulled over and tried to physically prevent them from searching. They tel him to stop, still doesn’t listen and then they arrest him while he continues to resist.

I got a phone call from my friend after if I’d represent his little cousin. The look on the guy’s face when we meet was complete shame.... I felt bad.