Opinion ID: 2630631
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Reviewing Voluntariness Under the Totality of the Circumstances Test

Text: ¶ 58 Applying the law to the facts of this case, we disagree with the court of appeals' conclusion that Hansen's consent was involuntary. The following facts of this case tend to show that Hansen consented voluntarily to the search. Officer Huntington did not claim any authority to search the vehicle. Rather, he asked a permissive questionDo you mind if I search? No threat accompanied the request. Nor did the officer employ deception to garner consent, such as trying to deceive Hansen into thinking he could get a search warrant. Officer Huntington's tone of voice was even, rather than demanding. The length of the detention, while illegal, was brief, and the questioning was neither repeated nor prolonged. Finally, Hansen cooperated in the search. ¶ 59 On the other hand, the timing of Officer Huntington's request, as well as the timing of the second officer's arrival, may have implied Hansen could not refuse consent. Additionally, Hansen was never told he could refuse to consent. [6] ¶ 60 Weighing each of these factors under the totality of the circumstances test, it does not appear that Hansen's will was overborne, or that his capacity for self-determination was critically impaired. Thus, we conclude Hansen's consent was voluntary and reverse the court of appeals on this issue. We now turn to the second prong of the test used to determine whether a consent was valid.