Do You Have to Show an ID to a Cop? How Do You Refuse a Search on Your Car?

May 21, 2009

Dr. Tarrin P Lupo - Do you have to show an ID to a cop? How do you refuse a search on your car? Here's and interview with civil rights attorney Alan Lowe to get answers.

The Fourth Amendment: Protecting Your Privacy

Nolo - The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution places limits on the power of the police to make arrests, search people and their property, and seize objects and contraband (such as illegal drugs or weapons). These limits are the bedrock of search-and-seizure law. This article covers basic issues you should know, beginning with an overview of the Fourth Amendment itself. (You can find it and other amendments in the Bill of Rights in Nolo's list of The Most Important Cases, Speeches, Laws & Documents in American History.)

Tips from a Police Officer

Jeff Costlow Detained at the White House for Photography


Also view videos at Kenny Suitter's youtube channel.

What to Do When You Are Pulled Over

September 23, 2010

Kevin Ransom - There are few things more nerve-wracking, or more anxiety-producing for even the most law-abiding driver, than seeing the flashing red and blue lights of a police car in your rear-view mirror.

It doesn't always have to be a harrowing experience, even if you know that you were driving well over the speed limit, or that your registration is expired, or heaven forbid, you've had a few too many cocktails and are behind the wheel anyway.

There are a few simple rules to follow to make sure the experience doesn't have to be any more unpleasant than it already is -- considering that it's likely you will come away with a fat ticket.

We sought the advice of a former Virginia State Trooper, now retired and working happily at an intelligence analyst job for a federal agency in Washington, D.C. He asked that we not use his real name, "because I don't want people to think I'm trying to draw attention to myself," he said. He chose a colorful alias, asking that we just refer to him as Trooper Tom. Here are his six tips.

Know Your Rights and What to Do If You Are Detained by the Police

Also view videos at Kenny Suitter's youtube channel.

'Search and Seizure' and the Fourth Amendment

Don't look directly at a police officer while you're driving because they consider that a sign of guilt or act of aggression. Keep in mind that when you are stopped or detained or interrogated that it is legal for a cop to lie to you, which means lying by cops is sanctioned by the justice system and, therefore, all cops are liars.

FindLaw - The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects personal privacy and every citizen's right to be free from unreasonable government intrusion into their persons, homes, businesses and property -- whether through police stops of citizens on the street, arrests or searches of homes and businesses.