Just Say No to Unnecessary Vehicle Searches

If you have ever been pulled over for a moving violation, there is a good chance you have been subject to a search of your vehicle. Most people get through these searches and take their ticket from the officer. Some others, well, they aren't so lucky. Many people who have in the past been pulled over for nothing more than changing lanes improperly or failing to properly use a turn signal have ended up spending the night, or many years in jail. But it has always been legal.

Until now.

The United States Supreme Court recently decided in a case that it is not sufficient cause, on its own, to search someone's vehicle for a traffic violation of this sort. This is big news for protecting all citizens from unreasonable searches and it is already being used by many attorneys to challenge charges their clients are facing from these types of searches. If you have a criminal attorney or lawyer working on your case, be sure that you mention this if they have not. It is just these types of bad searches that are responsible for countless American citizens currently facing criminal charges.

With this in mind, it is just as important to know your rights. It can be intimidating to be pulled over by a police officer or sheriff and it gets even harder to say "no" to anything that they ask of you. However, it is important that you know the rights that you have been granted. Now, be sure to put this one on your list.

Next time you are pulled over and are asked by an officer if they can search your vehicle, just know that you don't have to say yes. Of course, cooperation is always the best route. So, if you have nothing at all to hide or nothing to be concerned about that could result from a search of your car, you should be advised to allow them to check it out. Despite Hollywood's assertions, there is not a large amount of police who will plant something on you or in your car. It can often be worth saving a hassle to let them in.

Otherwise, know your rights. If you are in need of a criminal lawyer in south Florida or Ft. Lauderdale, learn more about how they can be of help at http://www.southfloridaaccidents.com/.