Category Archives: probable cause

SNIFFING AROUND YOUR CAR: DOG SNIFF SEARCHES IN ILLINOIS

Generally, you do not have the same privacy rights in a car that you would in your home. So while a trained narcotics dog may not sniff outside your apartment door, the dog may sniff around your car. Worse yet, … Continue reading

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BE CAREFUL HOW YOU PARK YOUR CAR! IMPROPER PARKING CAN BE PROBABLE CAUSE

After a few drinks at the bar, you pulled over on the side of the road. Perhaps you only meant to stop for a moment to use the phone or grab something from the back seat. Perhaps you were tired … Continue reading

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“THEY JUST FOLLOWED ME:” POLICE STOPS IN ILLINOIS

You pulled out of the gas station and set off on your way home. You’d just had a few beers after work. A couple blocks later, you noticed a squad car behind you. The car continued following you and then … Continue reading

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NEW SUPREME COURT LAW ON ANONYMOUS TIPS AND DUI

Police are allowed to stop drivers based on anonymous tips. The key question is whether the tip was reliable enough to provide probable cause for the stop. The Supreme Court just made that job a lot easier for the prosecution. … Continue reading

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CAN I BE ARRESTED FOR AVOIDING A POLICE ROADSIDE CHECKPOINT IN ILLINOIS?

You were driving home from a party when you noticed several cars up ahead and spotted a police checkpoint. You really didn’t want the hassle, so you turned your car around and drove away. Next thing you know, a police … Continue reading

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“CAN THEY REALLY STOP ME FOR THAT?” OBSTRUCTED WINDSHIELDS, IMPROPER LICENSE PLATE DISPLAY, AND OTHER MINOR OFFENSES

UPDATED July 25, 2023:  As of January 1, 2024, police will no longer be able to stop you for something hanging from your front windshield.  While you may not drive a motor vehicle with any objects suspended between  you and … Continue reading

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“SOMEONE TOLD THE POLICE I WAS DRUNK!”: WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED FOR DUI BASED ON A TIP

You had a few drinks at the bar over the course of a few hours. You hadn’t broken any laws on your way home, but the police stopped you and arrested you for DUI. Turns out someone from the bar … Continue reading

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