What Is “Reasonable Articulate Suspicion” | Traffic Stops
What Is “Reasonable Articulate Suspicion” When it comes to traffic stops, the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects drivers from unreasonable searches and seizures. However, police officers have been given broad authority when it comes to conducting traffic stops based on what is known as "reasonable articulate suspicion". In California, this means that an officer can stop a driver in certain circumstances if they have reasonable grounds to…
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Top 3 Things NOT to Do When You Are Pulled Over
Top 3 Things Not to Do When You Are Pulled Over Each year millions of people are pulled over for traffic violations in the United States. Getting pulled over for a traffic violation can quickly lead to an arrest. It is important to know what to do - and NOT do if you are pulled over. Continue reading to learn the top three things not to do when you are…
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In California, the Mere Presence of Lawfully Possessed Marijuana in a Vehicle Does Not Provide Probable Cause for Police to Search the Vehicle
In California, the Mere Presence of Lawfully Possessed Marijuana in a Vehicle Does Not Provide Probable Cause for Police to Search the Vehicle The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides the people have a right to be secure in their person, houses, possessions, and papers and that the government (i.e., police officers) cannot conduct a search or seizure, absent probable cause and the issuance of a warrant. However, there…
Read More6 Reasons to Hire an Attorney to Handle Your Traffic Ticket
6 Reasons to Hire an Attorney to Handle Your Traffic Ticket Receiving a traffic ticket is an expensive and annoying ordeal. That is why most people (approximately 9 out of 10) choose to simply pay ticket fines and get them over with rather than contesting them. 1 However, what you may not know is that paying a traffic ticket can be more costly than fighting it. Due to an increase…
Read MoreRestrictions for First-Time Drivers in California
Restrictions for First-Time Drivers in California If you just received your driver’s license in California, chances are there are certain restrictions placed on your driving privilege. In an effort to reduce car accidents among teenagers, California issues provisional licenses to first-time drivers, whom the state recognizes as statistically high-risk drivers. First-Year Driver Restrictions If you’re under 18 years of age, you will maintain your driving privileges as long as you…
Read MoreCan I Refuse to Show My Driver’s License if I Believe I was Subject to an Illegal Traffic Stop?
Can I Refuse to Show My Driver’s License if I Believe I was Subject to an Illegal Traffic Stop? Being pulled over by the police, especially if you believe you were not violating any traffic laws, can be a frustrating experience. A traffic stop can last from a few minutes to several hours and can result in being held in police custody as well as criminal charges. Though tensions may…
Read MoreWhat Consequences Do I Face if I Am Charged with a felony DUI in Riverside? (CVC 23153(a)
What Consequences Do I Face if I Am Charged with a felony DUI in Riverside? (CVC 23153(a) California DUI laws impose some of the strictest punishments in the country. You can be charged with a felony DUI in Riverside on your first DUI offense if you are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and are involved in a traffic collision that causes injury to another person. You may…
Read MoreI Got a Speeding Ticket (CVC § 22350) in Los Angeles County, Should I Just Pay the Ticket?
I Got a Speeding Ticket (CVC § 22350) in Los Angeles County, Should I Just Pay the Ticket? No! If you have been cited for speeding under California Vehicle Code Section 22350 (CVC § 22350), do not just give up and pay the ticket! If you just pay the ticket a point will be placed on your record and your insurance rates will increase. You have options: Alternatives to Paying…
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