DUI Investigation

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2015 | DUI

Cop-Talking

DUI Investigation

If a cop thinks you’ve broken the law, he can pull you over. Once he pulls you over, he can demand your license, registration, and proof of insurance. He can also run your name to find any outstanding warrants, and to see if your license is current. If, however, he wants to do much more than write you a ticket and send you on your way, then he needs reasonable suspicion that you were involved in criminal behavior.

So how does a cop get to pull you out of your car? The answer is found in State v. Allen, 138 Wn.App. 463,471 (2007). The Allen Court held that an officer can remove a driver from a vehicle stopped for an infraction for two different reasons: (1) Removal is within in the scope of the original traffic stop, or (2) the officer has acquired a lawful, reasonable suspicion that justifies further investigation. Id. At 471. The Allen Court held that an officer’s removal of a driver from a vehicle was not within the scope of traffic stop for a license plate violation, when the driver was questioned regarding the passenger’s identity. The court called the officer’s interrogation of the driver a “fishing expedition”. Id. at 471 (citing State v. Reding, 199 Wn.2d 685 (1992)).

Once the traffic-related purpose of the stop was fulfilled, further detention without a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity was improper. State v. Armenta, 134 Wn.2d 1, 15-16 (1997). If the officer isn’t justified in taking you out of your car, then your attorney might be able to convince a court to suppress any negative evidence that the officer discovered after you got out of the car. See State v. O’Neill, 148 Wa.2d 564, 583 (2003). When “an unconstitutional search or seizure occurs, all subsequently uncovered evidence becomes fruit of the poisonous tree and must be suppressed.” State v. Kennedy, 107 Wn.2d 1 (1986).

You can trust the former prosecutors and experienced defense attorneys at Durflinger Oliver & Associates PS& Associates to do everything possible to defend you and protect your future. Call today to schedule your free consultation, and ask us about a military discount and easy payment plans.