While the two states share borders, bridges and sometimes sports teams, the laws are very different with regards to police vehicle traffic stops and searches in these jurisdictions.
Recently, Tierra Whack (aka Tierra Whack-Welton), a well- known rap music artist from Philadelphia was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct after airport security discovered a loaded handgun during a security screening.
Racial profiling is an issue which a criminal defense attorney may sometimes need to address if he or she is representing a member of a minority group such as African American, Hispanic, Asian, or a Native American person.
Inevitable Discovery is an exception to the illegal search and seizure rule in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Electronic devices, unlike a home or storage locker, have non-physical barriers which require a specific code that is usually only within the knowledge of the accused person.
Here are some common questions and phrases police officers ask to investigate and collect information which could lead to a vehicle search or a search warrant:
We always tell readers and clients to respect police and law enforcement but to never give consent to search their vehicle, their home or property. In addition to not giving consent to search, a person should never speak to police without a lawyer present.
Police in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are now using drug dogs more frequently during traffic stops to determine or confirm suspicions of illegal narcotics within a vehicle.
The purpose of the inspection requirement in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey is to ensure the car’s safety for the road.
Recently, in its decision in the matter of Commonwealth v. Barr, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the smell of marijuana can be a factor police use to justify a search without a warrant but can’t be the sole basis for it According to the Court’s decision, “The odor of marijuana alone does not amount […]
