Atlantic City and Cape May County DWI Stop Attorney
If you have been arrested for a DWI or a drug crime in New Jersey and the police searched your car for evidence during the arrest, you need to know what your rights are and if the police acted properly. Police officers cannot simply search a car for no reason. In order to search a car in New Jersey, without a warrant or consent, a police offer must have probable cause and exigent circumstances.
I am John W. Tumelty, and as an experienced Jersey Shore criminal defense attorney, I understand what rights my clients have and how to fight illegal search and seizures by police officers in the state. In more than 25 years of practice, I have helped to provide skilled and knowledgeable criminal law for those stopped and arrested on a wide range of criminal offenses.
New Jersey Probable Cause to Stop and Search a Car Lawyer
Many people who are arrested do not understand what rights they have and how to exercise those rights.
For instance, if a cop smells marijuana coming from a stopped car, that gives the officer probable cause. However, that officer also must have exigent circumstances to search the vehicle, such as passengers hiding things in the back seat, the presence of a gun or the suspicion of destroying evidence.
A police officer may not even ask the driver for consent unless there is a reasonable suspicion that something illegal is in the car. During the frightening and confusing process of arrest, even a person who knows the law can be taken advantage of by police officers.
It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible if you have been stopped and arrested in New Jersey. I will investigate the stop and learn whether your rights were infringed upon by the officer that stopped you.
Contact My Firm 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week
I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to address the urgent needs of my clients. Contact me today to discuss what I can do to defend you against the criminal charges.
