They started searching my car or my house anyways, so do I just consent then?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! Just because they are searching doesn’t make it legal. So even if they start searching and then ask again if they can search your bag, the rest of the car/house, etc., do NOT agree – “I am NOT consenting to this search.” BOTTOM LINE: DO THEY HAVE A WARRANT? If they have an arrest warrant, just let them make the arrest but DO NOT talk with them until you’ve spoken with your lawyer. If they have a search warrant, DO NOT talk to them but let them search.