Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
When the police pull you over for a traffic violation, they might say they want to search your vehicle, and make it into a "joke," such as "You don't have any dead bodies or bazookas, do you?" Always refuse permission to search. Next, they might then ask to bring a drug sniffing dog. Never give consent to wait for the dog to arrive. Under United States v Evans, which I discuss in the video, the police do not have the right to keep you detained while they bring in a drug sniffing dog - even when it is just for a few minutes. The waiting time - when minimal - seems like a minimal intrusion. Some people, when told to wait "a few minutes," simply say "Ok." Do not do this! You could have waived your defense to have all of that evidence thrown out and excluded by giving consent. Also, the police permission to pull you over is only as it relates to the traffic ticket. Once those steps have been completed, they do not have the right to further detain you, and must release you, unless they have probable cause of other violations, such as the smell of marijuana. Unless these separate reasons exist, the further detaining of you can turn into an unlawful arrest. Traffic stops are supposed to be minimal incursions, and not the basis for further exploration of any additional criminal activity. Keep your vehicle in proper working condition and maintain insurance, a license and registration. The Evans case also states that the police can verify this information, but that anything beyond that "mission" is not legal, unless separate grounds exist. This video is for general information in California and is not to be relied upon and no attorney-client relationship will be formed. Invoke all of your rights, and seek a lawyer.
When the police pull you over for a traffic violation, they might say they want to search your vehicle, and make it into a "joke," such as "You don't have any dead bodies or bazookas, do you?" Always refuse permission to search. Next, they might then ask to bring a drug sniffing dog. Never give consent to wait for the dog to arrive. Under United States v Evans, which I discuss in the video, the police do not have the right to keep you detained while they bring in a drug sniffing dog - even when it is just for a few minutes. The waiting time - when minimal - seems like a minimal intrusion. Some people, when told to wait "a few minutes," simply say "Ok." Do not do this! You could have waived your defense to have all of that evidence thrown out and excluded by giving consent. Also, the police permission to pull you over is only as it relates to the traffic ticket. Once those steps have been completed, they do not have the right to further detain you, and must release you, unless they have probable cause of other violations, such as the smell of marijuana. Unless these separate reasons exist, the further detaining of you can turn into an unlawful arrest. Traffic stops are supposed to be minimal incursions, and not the basis for further exploration of any additional criminal activity. Keep your vehicle in proper working condition and maintain insurance, a license and registration. The Evans case also states that the police can verify this information, but that anything beyond that "mission" is not legal, unless separate grounds exist. This video is for general information in California and is not to be relied upon and no attorney-client relationship will be formed. Invoke all of your rights, and seek a lawyer.
