One of the biggest mistakes a person can make upon a traffic stop is allowing law enforcement to search one’s car if they suspect illegal activity, Law enforcement is typically not allowed to search a vehicle during a routine traffic stop. However, you can inadvertently give the officer a valid reason to search your car if you’re not careful. Once they shine their spotlight on your car, they are watching closely for any suspicious movements and evidence, which they can use to begin a criminal investigation.
Hypothetically, if an officer observes you trying to throw something out of the window, they may use that act, to legally search your car. If you appear to hunch down, they may reasonably believe you’are hiding something under the seat. Therefore, it is important to not make a sudden or suspicious movements, and avoid reaching for anything until the officer asks.
An officer can search your car if they have probable cause. In this context, probable cause means a reasonable basis to believe that you or your passengers are involved in criminal activity. Even if they don’t initially have probable cause, an officer can inspect anything in plain view. Common examples of items in plain view include: 1) Open containers with alcohol, 2) drug paraphernalia, 3) Weapons/Firearms and/or 4) stolen property.
Law enforcement can legally seize any other objects they come across after they have established probable cause to pursue an investigation. If a police officer initiates an arrest then they are legally allowed to search our vehicle. Furthermore, if you are arrested, the police may tow your vehicle and do an inventory search of its contents. No reasonable suspicion or warrant is needed to perform an inventory search on an impounded vehicle.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
