In most cases, when a driver is pulled over for traffic violations, he or she is given a citation or a warning and is let go without further incident. However, sometimes police officers may suspect that the driver is violating additional laws, such as those that may lead to drug charges. This may lead an officer to request a search of the vehicle . When this happens, the driver may get into further legal trouble and require the assistance of a criminal defense attorney in Annapolis.
You can watch this brief video for an overview on search and seizure laws. It explains Fourth Amendment rights through the eyes of Daryl, a young driver who has been pulled over for traffic violations and is asked to exit his vehicle. When he makes the mistake of leaving his car door open, the police officer asks Daryl if he has any drugs and if he minds if the officer takes a look. As soon as Daryl says “No,” he gives up his Fourth Amendment rights, even though it may not be clear to him whether he is answering the first or second question.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the topics discussed and does not qualify as legal advice. Every case is different and the laws applicable to each case may differ. If you have a legal matter, you should speak to an attorney to get advice on your particular situation.