“You can detain a person long enough to confirm suspicions or dispel fears,” she said.

One of the more common reasons for probable cause to search is the smell of marijuana, Hogan said.

Probable cause is a gray area in the law and varies based on circumstances, and what one judge or court continues to be probable cause in one situation, another may not. The 1976 Court of Appeals case People v. Debour spells out the standards.

Saratoga Springs defense lawyer Kurt Mausert said he frequently hears from clients who say they were the victims of illegal motor vehicle searches.

“It especially happens to younger clients. Driving while young will get you pulled over all the time,” he said.

Police will search a vehicle without probable cause, consent or a warrant, arguing that even if the search is deemed illegal, they will have gotten illegal drugs or weapons off the street if something is found, Mausert said.

Mausert recommended people never consent to a vehicle search without a warrant.