The search of one's vehicle during a routine traffic stop can only be made under very specific conditions. While some of those conditions follow specific rules, such as the execution of a search warrant, others may be up to the police officer's subjective choice. Some North Carolina officers may take advantage of a driver's unfamiliarity with the law and search a vehicle without probable cause.
One local man was arrested after a search of his vehicle allegedly revealed illegal drugs. Police say the man's headlight was out, so they pulled him over. During the stop, the officer ran a records check and discovered that the man's license had been suspended, although the reason for the suspension was not reported. Police subsequently searched the man and his vehicle.
According to police documents, the search revealed a glass pipe with white residue and a small plastic bag under the front seat. Officers placed him under arrest and asked him to reveal whether he was carrying anything illegal. The man reportedly replied that he didn't know, so officers searched him. They say they found hydrocodone pills in an unmarked bottle in his pocket. He now faces charges of drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and other charges involving his license, registration and insurance.
Even before an arrest is made, there are circumstances where law enforcement could violate the rights of the accused. Since charges of drug possession often involve searching to discover the substances, North Carolina residents have every reason to be concerned for the protection of their civil rights. An attorney who is called upon to defend such charges will certainly investigate the actions of police before, during and after the arrest to determine if the evidence was gained lawfully.
Source: greenevillesun.com, "It Happened Here For Jan. 22", Jan. 22, 2018
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