If you or a loved one have been involved in an car or truck wreck in Alabama or Georgia, or charged with a crime in Auburn, Opelika or Lee County, contact our team of experienced attorneys and staff today!
Search & Seizure Laws.
Most search & seizure laws are based on the US Constitution’s 4th Amendment. These laws are constantly being challenged, including a recent US Supreme Court ruling in March of 2021. However, search and seizure rules are less stringent on vehicles due to them being mobile. The idea that law enforcement cannot open locked containers during a valid vehicle search without a warrant, is simply not true.
Reasonable Suspicion.
Most of us have heard Jay Z’s “99 Problems” song. In the song Jay Z is pulled over by a law enforcement who want to search his vehicle. When discussing the law enforcement’s request to search his vehicle, Jay Z states:
“Well my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk in the back
And I know my rights so you goin’ need a warrant for that.”
While a catchy tune and huge hit, this is a great reminder why you shouldn’t take legal advice from musicians.
Bottom line: If the officer has reasonable suspicion to search, they CAN search the ENTIRE car, including a locked trunk, glove box or any other container or bag that is in the vehicle.
Vehicle Stops must take “reasonable time”.
However, there is a federal law that requires any vehicle stop to be completed within a reasonable time and therefore, holding a vehicle for an unreasonable amount of time in order to get a drug dog to the scene MAY be a violation of civil rights.
If you are driving someone else’s car.
By the way, if you do not own the vehicle, you cannot contest an invalid search.
Charged with a Crime.
More than likely, if you have been charged with a crime in Alabama, there will be a lot of different variables regarding your charge. Every case is not the same case. We would strongly suggest that you contact an experience local Criminal Defense attorney, such as Trip Walton, here at the Walton Law Firm, P.C.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys for a free* initial case consultation.
