Legal Question in Criminal Law in Illinois

Re: drug

Well, as a general rule, no they can't search your car, but there are many exceptions to the general rule. For example, if the cops asked permission to search, and you granted it, then they could search. Or if they saw the substance in plain view, they could seize it. There are other ways they could lawfully search the car too. Many, many more facts would be needed before an attorney could tell you if the search was good. And regardless, you will likely be charged. I suggest you hire an attorney. The attorney will need to determine if grounds exist to throw the search (and the found drugs) out of court.