Can a police officer pull you over for being
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Can a police officer pull you over for being
I passed a cop and he started to follow me and immediately turned on his overheads and initiated a traffic stop. I ask why I was being pulled over the cop said there was a burglary and they were searching for 2 suspects in the woods. The cop ask why I was in this particular area at that time. He said sometimes bad guys will call someone to come pick the up and get them out of the area.
I know in Texas that police cannot simply see someone driving down the road, and decide to pull them over to see what they are up to. They need a reason to believe they are doing something wrong or illegal.
Did the officer have the right to pull me over when I didn’t break any laws or traffic infractions?
Asked on May 4, 2016 under General Practice, Texas
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The police must have probable cause which is a reasonable belief that criminal activity is afoot. Since the police were searching for burglary suspects in the area, they could claim probable cause to stop vehicles and search for suspects as part of their ongoing investigation. Therefore, the police could stop you even though you didn't break any laws or commit any traffic nfractions.
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