Common Mistakes the Police Make ... And How They Can Help You
There are common mistakes that the police make which are contrary to your rights under state and federal law. At Mace J. Yampolsky & Associates, we believe that you should know what your rights are and whether they are being violated.
To learn more about how we can help you with your DUI, contact our Las Vegas office online or by calling 702-487-4762 (toll free at 888-827-4505) to schedule a free initial consultation.
- Stopping a vehicle on the basis of an anonymous call. An officer can not rely on a phone call to stop you, if he does not have a name and address for the caller.
- Following a driver into his residence without an invitation or without enough information to justify the entry. Your home is protected under the Fourth Amendment.
- Basing an arrest on the statements of the driver alone. The officer must have independent evidence to corroborate these statements. This often arises when he has not seen you in physical control of your car.
- Detaining a driver longer than is reasonable to investigate. The U.S. Constitution does not allow officers to hold you without limit.
- Stopping a vehicle without an articulable suspicion. An officer can not stop you just because he thinks you are suspicious.
- Stopping a vehicle because it stops in the middle of the street or it is driving too slow. Unless there is a specific traffic ordinance you are violating, such as impeding traffic, it is not lawfully for an officer to stop you.
- Stopping a vehicle because it was weaving within a lane. The statute only requires you to drive as nearly as is practicable within a single lane. Some cases hold that one weave into the shoulder is not enough reason for a stop.
- Stopping a vehicle based on a misperceived violation of a law. The officer must be right about his interpretation of the law.
- Stopping a vehicle for an improper sign. Street signs and lane markings must comply with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
- Failing to follow the rules of the Department of Health and Intoxilyzer operation manual. These failures may invalidate any alcohol testing.
- Stopping at an improper roadblock. There are guidelines that must be followed to validate the stop.
- Stopping a vehicle just to check the driver's license and registration. There must be an actual traffic violation or an articulable suspicion of a crime.
- Stopping a vehicle without being able to identify it as the one actually committing a traffic infraction. Officers must be able to convince the court that they stopped the right car.
- Stopping a vehicle for no reason at all. It's done. Officers usually do not show up in court on these.
- Blocking a vehicle's exit without justification. Officers may not restrict a drivers freedom to leave without a reason.
Contact me online or call me today at 702-487-4762. If you are not in the Las Vegas area please call toll free 888-827-4505 for your free consultation.
