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Can an Officer Just Stop You for Any Reason?

By Walin & Klarich

Comments from a Traffic Ticket and Criminal Defense Attorney Officers may stop and detain a vehicle upon reasonable suspicion of any traffic offense, no matter how minor the offense. The scope of the initial traffic detention will depend on the reason for the initial stop, as well as the facts developed during the stop. A court will always look first at the reason for the stop. The traffic detention must last no longer than necessary to resolve the suspected traffic violation, either by warning, citation, or upon hearing an explanation from driver. (Florida v. Royer, 460 U.4. 491, 1983). In addition, the detention and investigation must be reasonably related to the initial reason for the stop, unless other factors support additional reasonable suspicion...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on August 23, 2009 (boomark / email).