Michigan Court Limits Police Car Searches | Lansing News

Michigan’s top court just handed cops a major setback: they can’t search your car just because they smell weed or know you’re under 21—no matter how small the amount. In the case of People v. Wilkins, a trooper pulled over a teen for speeding, detected marijuana, and found a gun during a warrantless search. The Supreme Court ruled that mere suspicion of a civil infraction (like underage possession) doesn’t justify violating your Fourth Amendment rights. The court emphasized that officers need probable cause of a criminal offense, not just hints of minor violations. This decision reinforces a 2025 precedent and sends a clear message: your privacy isn’t optional when it comes to police searches. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f4b747e6dae7d96e