New Jersey Search and Seizure Laws Relating to Vehicles
An important part of any New Jersey criminal proceeding is a review of how the evidence was obtained by the authorities. In New Jersey, police officers must have probable cause to search a suspect's car. If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey because of items found in your vehicle, do not hesitate to call an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights.
For authorities to conduct a lawful search of a motor vehicle without a warrant, certain parameters must be met. First and foremost, there must be a probable cause. Did the officer have reasonable cause to suspect there were drugs, weapons or stolen items in the car? Were there any illegal items in plain view of the arresting officer? Did something the suspect say to the officer create probable cause?
There also must be an "exigent" circumstance. This means that there must be cause to believe that evidence will be lost if the officer takes the time to get a warrant. Is there reasonable cause to believe that the suspect will destroy the evidence if the officer does not conduct a search right away?
There are many ways in which an individual's rights can be violated during an arrest. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein know how to protect the rights of our clients. If you believe that your rights have been violated, call our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Princeton at 609-240-0040 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
