Which statement about third-party consent to entry and search warrants is accurate?

• A. No search warrant is required even with third-party consent
• B. No search warrant is required when a third party consents to entry
• C. A search warrant is always required if there is consent
• D. A search warrant is never required if there is consent

Answer: (B)

When someone other than the occupant has authority over the space, their voluntary consent can allow a police search without a warrant. This rests on the idea of common or apparent authority: if the third party is entitled to use or control the area and the officer reasonably believes they have that authority, the search can proceed without a warrant. The key is that the consent must be voluntary and given by someone who actually or apparently has the right to permit entry.

That’s why the accurate statement is that no search warrant is required when a third party with authority consents to entry. The other options overstate or misstate the rule: a warrant isn’t automatically unnecessary in all consent scenarios, nor is a warrant always required even with consent. If the third party lacks authority or the consent is coerced or invalid, a warrant would be needed.