Post: Question Regarding Cops and Alcohol in public

Posted by Eric H on 10/12/07

Here at the University of South Dakota, we're having our
homecoming this weekend and many questions are being tossed
around the campus.

1) If I have a bookbag, can cops legally search or try to
feel for the contents inside? Is it considered part of my
body? What happens if I lay it on the ground?

2) When out in public, do they need probable cause to stop
you? Can you say "do you have any reason for detaining me?"

3) If you're walking on the grass in yards instead of
sidewalks, can you be charged with an open container?

4) If I'm in a group, and the group takes off running, is
that probable cause for the cops to search me?

I'd greatly appreciate any assistance that you can give me.
Thanks!

Posts on this thread, including this one

Question Regarding Cops and Alcohol in public, 10/12/07, by Eric H.