Was I harassed by ALEA?

But I did something last weekend that I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER DO TO A COP.

I refused a search of my car.

I was driving on Highway 14 in Geneva County on Sunday. (  I have a weekend place down there )

So anyway, a member of ALEA ( I don't want to name the agency ) lit me up and pulled me over for speeding.

Keep in mind, I am driving on a backroad in south Alabama. ( it don't get much more backroad or BACKWOODS than Geneva County. )

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I pull down my window and hand him my license and insurance etc.

Then he asks me if I have any weapons in the car.

Me: "No Sir"

Cop : " Mind if i take a look in your trunk? "

 ( My head was spinning but I remembered all the YOUTUBE videos I've watched from lawyers who always say " never submit to a search of your car" ) This is the FIRST time this has ever happened to me. And I've been pulled over A LOT.

Me: I DO NOT SUBMIT TO ANY SEARCH.

The reason is, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS LEO HAS IN MIND. Could he be a concerned cop looking for illegal activity? Or is he a ROGUE COP? Does he want to plant something in your car? You don't know.

Always say "NO".

It's our right as AMERICANS. I meant no disrespect for his badge or job. But I HAVE RIGHTS. 

Cop: " OK. We'll just call another (LEO) out here and bring the dogs and let them take a look."

( Dogs? DOGS? WHAT DOES THIS COP THINK I AM DOING OUT HERE IN NO MAN'S LAND? )

I replied simply, "OK".

I sat in my car for 22 MINUTES. Waiting. Wondering. And yes, HEART POUNDING.

I mean, I didn't have anything illegal in my car-- but I didn't know how this was all going to play out.

Waiting.....

Finally, 22 minutes later, he walks up to my window and LETS ME OFF WITH A WARNING. 

While I appreciated the warning, ( I WAS speeding after all ) but I was also a tad annoyed with the way he talked to me and threatened to " Bring out the dogs " ( Which he never did )

My point is: Be respectful. Be cooperative. But-

DON'T FORGET YOU CAN REFUSE A SEARCH OF YOUR CAR.

You have rights.