For an officer to pull you over you must either have at least reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being or is about to be committed.

Reasonable suspicion means that there are articulable facts or circumstances on which the officer bases his belief it can't be just a mere hunch.

 

A police officer can also pull you over if he has what is known is probable cause. Probable cause is a higher standard of proof than reasonable suspicion and it means that there are articulable facts or hard evidence leading to the officer's suspicion that a crime has been, it is being or will be committed in the future

 

If a police officer is pulling you over for a basic traffic stop for something like speeding and, after the stop, he does not establish either reasonable suspicion or probable cause of any other criminal activity he should let you go if you agree to sign the ticket. At this stage, he is permitted to ask to see your driver's license, registration insurance, and other information. Unless there develops further reasonable suspicion or probable cause the officer can't search her vehicle or detain you for any longer than is necessary to complete the ticket.

 

If the police arrest you and they have gained evidence illegally through an improper search or seizure, your lawyer can raise this issue in court in a variety of ways that can benefit and perhaps win your case. If you'd like to speak with us, we provide a free case evaluation with no obligation. Just give us a call at 256-533-4529.