In a consent search, what happens if the consent is withdrawn by the person giving permission?

• A. The search may continue with probable cause
• B. The search requires a warrant
• C. The search must stop
• D. The search becomes admissible anyway

Answer: (C)

Consent to search is permission given by the person with authority, and that permission can be withdrawn at any time. When consent is withdrawn, the authority to search ends and officers must stop the search immediately. Continued searching without a valid basis would violate the Fourth Amendment, so there’s no automatic continuation unless another justification exists (for example, probable cause or a warrant). Any evidence found after the withdrawal is generally not admissible, since the search is no longer authorized.