What happens if a person revokes their consent to search?

When a person revokes their consent to search, the legal principle is that the search must stop immediately. Consent to search is a voluntary act, and if the individual no longer wishes to grant that consent, the officer is obligated to respect that decision. This is rooted in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The moment consent is revoked, the officer no longer has the legal authority to continue the search.

In this context, it's vital to understand that once a person expresses a desire to withdraw consent, any further search conducted by law enforcement could be deemed unconstitutional, leading to potential legal ramifications and the possibility of any evidence found being inadmissible in court. Thus, it underscores the importance of respecting a person's rights during a search situation.