Do Cops Need Reasonable Suspicion To Pull You Over?
In California, police officers are required to have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be committed before they can pull you over. This means that they must have specific and articulable facts to support their suspicion.
If you believe you were pulled over without cause, you need an aggressive defense attorney on your side. Choosing Wallin & Klarich to represent your case puts you in a better position to receive the best outcome for your case. We have over 40 years of experience in Southern California. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL for your free consultation!
What is “Reasonable Suspicion”
But what exactly does “reasonable suspicion” mean? According to the 1968 Supreme Court case Terry v. Ohio, it is a lower standard than probable cause but still requires something more than just a hunch or gut feeling. This can include observing a traffic violation, witnessing suspicious behavior, or receiving a tip from another officer or informant.
It’s important to note that reasonable suspicion is not always black and white. There have been cases where officers have been found to have lacked reasonable suspicion for pulling someone over, leading to the dismissal of any evidence obtained during the stop.
If you have been pulled over without reasonable suspicion, you need a skilled defense attorney on your side fighting for your rights. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have the experience you need. We offer exceptional service, experience, and affordable payment options to help you manage the cost of hiring a defense attorney. Call our office today for a free consultation!
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself During an Illegal Traffic Stop
It is important to protect your rights and know what you can and cannot do during a traffic stop. While being pulled over by the police, you are obligated to present your driver’s license, but there are other requests from officers that you can decline. These include:
You have the right to remain silent: You are not obliged to answer an officer’s questions. It is best to neither lie nor admit guilt. Instead, you can assert your 5th amendment right against self-incrimination by simply stating, “I prefer not to answer.”
You can refuse a sobriety test: Unless you are under 21 years old or on probation for a previous DUI conviction, you are not required to undergo field sobriety tests or chemical alcohol tests (such as a preliminary alcohol screening or “PAS” test). You can politely decline these tests and explain that they are not mandated under California law.
You do not need to consent to a car search: You have the right to refuse a search of your vehicle by the police. By calmly stating, “Officer, I do not consent to this search,” you are exercising your Fourth Amendment right to decline search requests.
Regardless of the situation, it is crucial to remain calm and respectful towards the officer. Avoid displaying hostility or questioning the reason for the traffic stop. If you believe that an officer searched your vehicle unlawfully or lacked probable cause to question you, it is important to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who can review your case and defend you against any charges.
Knowing and exercising your rights during a traffic stop can be the difference between your freedom and potential jail time. However, if you have already been involved in a traffic stop and charged with a crime, the best option is to hire a skilled and experienced defense attorney who can preserve your rights. Our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over four decades of experience representing cases like yours. Call our office today to speak with one of our experienced attorneys!
Contact Wallin & Klarich Today
If you have been involved in an illegal traffic stop, you need an aggressive defense attorney to fight for your freedom. With 40+ years of experience, our attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have helped thousands of clients win their cases or get their charges reduced to a lesser degree. We know the most effective defenses to argue on your behalf, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
You may not be aware of all your options. Calling our office costs you nothing, but picking up the phone could be the difference between years in prison and years of freedom. Let our skilled attorneys examine your case to find the best way to avoid prison.
Discover how our team can assist you. Contact us today, toll-free at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free consultation with a skilled defense attorney.
