When is consent for a search considered valid?

Consent for a search is considered valid when it is given voluntarily by an authorized person. This means that the individual providing consent has the legal authority to do so and does so willingly without any coercion, threats, or manipulation. The key aspect of valid consent is its voluntary nature; if consent is obtained through duress or compulsion, it is not valid, and any subsequent search may be deemed unreasonable under the Fourth Amendment.

In cases where an individual is informed of their rights, it is important to note that merely informing someone of their rights does not automatically validate consent. The person must still voluntarily choose to give consent without any undue influence. Involvement of law enforcement in requesting consent does not, by itself, ensure its validity; the circumstances surrounding the request matter significantly. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the necessity of voluntary and authorized consent for a search to be legally permissible.