Category Archives: traffic stop

THE OFFICER WAS WRONG ABOUT ILLINOIS LAW! CAN HE STILL ARREST ME?

The police are charged with enforcing the law. But what if they misunderstand that law? What if the officer stops you based on his or her mistaken belief about what the law really means? Will a judge allow the evidence … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, mistake of law, search and seizure, traffic stop | Leave a comment

HOW LITTLE PROBLEMS BECOME BIG PROBLEMS: WHEN A PETTY OFFENSE TURNS INTO A MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY

A man was walking down the middle of a road instead of the sidewalk or shoulder. In Illinois, you must use a sidewalk where provided or at least walk on the shoulder. The man was arrested for a petty offense, … Continue reading

Posted in felony, misdemeanor, petty offense, search and seizure, search of car, traffic stop | Leave a comment

CAN THE POLICE USE LICENSE READING CAMERAS TO CATCH CRIMINALS? IN ONE ILLINOIS COMMUNITY, THEY ALREADY ARE

Your mobile phone isn’t the only thing getting more technologically sophisticated. So too are police crime-fighting techniques. In October, the Belleville, Illinois police department began catching criminals by using an automated camera to read license plates. The $17,000 automated license … Continue reading

Posted in arrest, arrest warrant, automated camera, traffic stop, vehicle search | Leave a comment

CAN THEY SEARCH MY CAR? YOUR RIGHTS DURING A TRAFFIC STOP (BEFORE AN ARREST)

You were a little preoccupied while driving home late one night and missed a stop sign. Unfortunately, a police officer spotted you and pulled you over. After taking your license, the officer asked you to step out of the car. … Continue reading

Posted in narcotics, probable cause, reasonable suspicion, search of car, search warrant, traffic offense, traffic stop, traffic tickets, vehicle search, warrantless search | Leave a comment