r/UnethicalLifeProTips 1d ago

ULPT know your basic rights

A criminal defense lawyer said this:

1) Don't EVER talk to the police. Don't answer ANY questions. If they say, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" No! But say nothing!

2) They cannot search your car nor house without probable cause for your vehicle and a warrant for your house.

3) Do NOT wait around for a drug dog. Ask if you're under arrest (the only thing you say to them.) If not, freaking leave fast. They cannot detain you while waiting for a dog.

These are the some basics that more people than you think don't understand..

Edit: Here’s a video explaining in more detail.

criminal defense attorney explains

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u/XyresicRevendication 1d ago

A few things...

#1 The supreme court has ruled simply keeping your mouth shut or ignoring their questions is not the same thing as invoking your rights.

You must explicitly specifically state that you decline to answer any questions. Saying No is answering their question. You must decline to answer.

#3 you explicity need permission to leave. You ask if you're being detained or if you are free to leave.

" Am I being detained or am I free to leave? " if they say you're not detained, tell them you are now leaving and after they acknowledge it, then calmly leave.

If you followed the instructions in the op's post verbatim you could likely cause yourself more problems. Yes you have rights. Do not answer their questions and stand up for yourself.

The Supreme courts website has all of their rulings regarding your rights including what qualifies as actually invoking them.

If anyone wants ill provide a list of rulings you should be aware of. Just ask

For example riley v. California 2014 states that law enforcement needs a SEPARATE warrant specifically to examine the contents of your phone. even if your under arrest, even if there's a warrant for your person.

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u/canzicrans 23h ago

To add to this, a 2015 Supreme case ruled that even ten minutes is too long to hold someone without probable cause (police made someone wait for a drug dog after a completed traffic stop).

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u/JazzHandsFan 20h ago

There is no amount of time they are allowed to delay a traffic stop without probable cause. That’s why the Kansas two-step exists, cops will do anything to imply that you should stick around long enough to make up some probable cause without legally detaining you.

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u/XyresicRevendication 18h ago

Correct. In general interactions once you clearly state that you are there against your will by stating your desire to leave and asking if you're detained or not at that point it's put up or shut up. They either need a legitimate articulable reason to hold you or their committing false imprisonment.

Regarding traffic stops specifically they're not allowed to hold you there any longer than is reasonably required to complete the traffic stop.

They can walk the dog around your car if the dog is immediately available. I. E. If the dog can get there during the time it would Normally take the stop without delay.

They just can't make you wait for the k9 unit to drive 15 minutes to get there.

Now the Kansas 2 step has been ruled unconstitutional as of late last year. Federal judges ordered a halt to the practice which the Kansas state patrol tried ignoring.

A Federal judge placed a US Marshall there to force supervised compliance with it, since then to my knowledge the practice has stopped.

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u/SilverEncanis13 11h ago

So a FEDERAL JUDGE gets ignored by a entire department, and they just go "Hey, stop that. Mr. Marshall, go enforce this law."?

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u/zanoty1 8h ago

Yes that's the entire point of why a Marshall is a job.

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u/KindlyShift6302 5h ago

Seems like they broke a law and should be prosecuted, that kinda happens when u break a law

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u/ArltheCrazy 5h ago

The judicial branch interprets the law, it really doesn’t have a way to enforce its rulings. The executive branch is supposed to enforce the laws. That’s why they have to appoint a Marshal. In rare cases that the Marshals wouldn’t enforce a ruling, I believe, they could deputize someone to carry out the enforcement.

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u/JazzHandsFan 9h ago

From my brief digging, it seemed the KHP is still fighting that ruling, so I wouldn’t be so quick to call it gone, but you could fight it in court and win. Ideally you get the free to go out of the cop and never have to go to court to begin with.

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u/Saltyfembot 17h ago

Probable cause can be made up on the spot. "I smelled weed, you were swerving etc.".. 

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u/XyresicRevendication 16h ago

Yeah and if they're going to do that there isn't anything you can do. The point of everything I mentioned previously is specifically to reduce your attack surface and hopefully quell their ability to do this.

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u/Forward_Pick6383 5h ago

The Supreme Court has ruled that police cannot use the “odor” of marijuana by itself as probable cause.

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u/Saltyfembot 4h ago

Then they will make up some other reason. They can pull you over and make up any reason they like. It's their word against yours. 

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u/FrogMetal 3h ago

Yes that’s true but making them put a reason on the record is better for you than just passively sitting and letting them hold you without explaining why. If they give a bullshit reason you can argue against it later. Holding them accountable and making them justify the stop and potential illegal hold is how you flex your rights, even if in the moment it doesn’t help things move along smoothly. 

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u/honuworld 2h ago

This. I was pulled over in Arizona for having out of state plates. The Officer ordered me to leave the vehicle and stand way over on the shoulder, a good fifteen feet away from the car. Far enough to be out of the view of his dash cam. He then claimed I was "acting suspicious" while off-camera and used that as probable cause to search the vehicle. Oh, Arizona. "Come on vacation, leave on probation".

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u/tjt5754 4h ago

Scenario: you get pulled over. Give your license and registration and the officer goes back to their car.

20 minutes pass and they’re still in their car.

Getting out and approaching the officers car seems like a risky move.

How do you ask the officer if you’re being detained in that scenario? They have your documents.

I guess you just document it and file a civil suit later? They took your stuff and didn’t give it back in a reasonable amount of time so they are illegally detaining you by holding your things?

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u/canzicrans 2h ago

Yes, you can never beat the walk, but you can always civil suit, or call 911 to further cement your future claim that you were detained illegally (and to maybe have them get the precinct on the phone). Maybe stick your arm out the window and do a "come hither" motion if you think they won't shoot your arm off?

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u/1gardenerd 23h ago

I've seen video of people being pulled over and acting like complete shits while filming, refusing to follow instructions and refusing to show their license when asked. So, the first thing the police usually do is ask for your license.

Can you answer that also, please? What to do when pulled over and they ask for your drivers license?

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u/igotzthesugah 22h ago

Give them your license. Refuse and they'll remove you from your car by force and it will be the beginning of a very bad day for you with expensive consequences. If you struggle you might catch a battery charge. That's gets you a ride. Got bail? Got tow and impound fees? Is it Friday night? Wanna spend the weekend in jail?

The nut jobs who refuse are generally playing stupid games at an advanced level. Look up Sovereign Citizen and go down the rabbit hole of dumbass.

When you got your license you likely agreed to showing it when asked while driving. The vehicle code is many inches thick with thousands of words. Your jurisdiction may allow for safety checks. That means you can be pulled over and the officer can check to see if your lights and brakes work. Nobody does that unless they need something to start a fishing expedition. Probable cause is not an argument you win on the side of the road with the cop. It's what your lawyer argues with the DA in front of a judge.

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u/SnooPandas1899 21h ago

its always interesting when cops always say "stop resisting", implying it to cover themselves, particularly when a suspect is unconscious or restrained.

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u/GalwiththeTie 17h ago

IAAL, and as a prosecutor in WA State, refusing to give them your license would provide a basis for Obstruction. Once the officers ID the driver by DoL physicals (presuming they have the driver's name), the driver's refusing to hand over the license is materially interfering in the course of an officer's duty - i.e. Obstruction.

I would probably dismiss the obstruction, since it's mostly charged as a "defendant is just being an asshole" charge by cops.

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u/igotzthesugah 19h ago

It’s almost like it’s part of their training.

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u/jplummer80 22h ago

You give it to them? It's a lawful order, and a traffic stop of any kind is a legal detainment. You must have a license to operate a vehicle on public roadways anyway, so the request, in and of itself, is warranted.

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u/JBWentworth_ 21h ago

In Texas you are not required to give your drivers license to the police, you are required to display your drivers license.

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u/GalwiththeTie 17h ago

IAAL in WA State who practices criminal law. Here, the driver must provide license, or some other form of identification (so the officer can run the driver's name for warrants), whereas the passenger must only do so if the officer has reasonable articulable suspicion that the passenger is committing a crime.

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u/jplummer80 21h ago

That's not unique to Texas. You just need to show them your legal license. I've given cops photos on my phone in lieu of my license before in Jersey. It just needs to be two things:

  1. YOUR legal drivers license
  2. Up to date and in good standing.

Das it.

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u/jpsoze 7h ago

This is highly dependent on state law. Don’t assume this applies anywhere without verification.

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u/XyresicRevendication 17h ago

You are required to present your liscence registration and proof of insurance if you are driving.

Pull over at the first safe place to do so. Shut your car off, put the keys on the dash, and keep your hands visible.

Keep in mind They have an incomprehensibly dangerous job.

Some cops are shit bags who are there to fuck up your night because their wife or daughter fucked a deadbeat who sorta looks like you. And they're going fuck your night up too. Don't make it worse.

Some cops are literal highway bandits trying to steal your shit with civil forfeiture.

However most cops, the vast majority are good honest people bravely trying to help their communities and keep people safe. At the end of the day they're doing a Job they believe in and want to go home to their family same as anyone.

Whatever you do or say, however you handle the shituation make them feel safe while still respectfully standing up for yourself and that will go farther than anything.

Presentation of identification outside of traffic requirements vary by state. Look up where you live.

However on public roads you agreed in advance to comply with that request when you got your liscence.

I don't agree with this. I think they should have to have a reason in order to stop fishing expedition stops but you are required to regardless of anyone's opinion.

If you don't have them already prepared. (Good practice to have them easily available, that way you don't open your glove box and fumble through the blunt wraps you forgot your friend put in there last week in order to get them)

you tell them yes I have them

You tell them where they are located

And you tell them that you are grabbing them before you just reach

Do not just say yeah and quickly reach for the glove box or anywhere they are not aware of what and why you're doing it.

If you don't have any these items, you're best off simply disclosing that to them honestly at that point.

If you've been driving without a liscence for a decade and making no effort to resolve it, you might get arrested or ticketed. If you lie about it, you definitely will be wearing handcuffs.

But if you're making an effort to complete the bullshit required to get it back and you're honest with them and you don't unduly piss them off or make them feel unsafe

in my anecdotal experience, they'll most likely write you your ticket , sternly tell you to expedite completing the bullshit and send you on your way even without a liscence.

Additionally, because I know it's common nowadays, DO NOT KEEP YOUR PROOF OF INSURANCE ON YOUR PHONE. Have a paper copy only. Elsewise you have to let them take your phone to their car.

A few years ago, a state trooper was convicted of stealing a woman's nudes off her phone during a traffic stop and sharing them with his coworkers

they got leaked to the internet.

Also these are general guidelines, there is not a cookie cutter script you can use in every single interaction. Sometimes it's easiest to answer very basic questions with basic responses.

Most typically they want to know where you're going and where you're coming from. While not obligated to answer these in my experience it's simplest to throw em a bone to only these questions and be on your way.

If they probe any farther than that is when I would respectfully decline to answer their questions.

That is literally what I personally say verbatim.

" I respectfully decline to answer any and all questions. " " I do not consent to any searches of me or my property" " Am I being detained or am I free to leave? I would like to continue on with my night." If they ask why simply repeat

" I respectfully decline to answer any and all questions. "

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u/Omnipotomous 11h ago

Their job is not incomprehensibly dangerous. It's less dangerous than pizza delivery.

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u/its_treason_then_ 16h ago

You have to identify yourself to the police. It’s a law in every state. But you don’t have to speak to them to do so. If they ask for your license and you’re comfortable reaching to provide it without speaking, then do so.

If you feel the need to speak then prepare your license before they approach your vehicle and when they talk to you, just hit em with a “I decline to speak without representation” over and over; while providing them with the information you’re legally obligated to.

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u/Shadowhisper1971 9h ago

Do NOT prepare your license as the cop is walking up. They do not know what you are reaching for. This will immediately put them in ready mode. Wait for them to ask.

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u/BTFlik 19h ago

To add, once you invoke your right to remain silent DO NOT answer ANY question. SAY NOTHING. Various court rulings have fucked your rights. ANY ANSWER TO ANY QUESTION REAL OR IMPLIED, resets your invocation of your right.

Additionally, when or if asking for an attorney state, "I invoke my right to an attorney immediately." Then invoke your right to remain silent. Do not answer questions. The courts have ruled anything that is not a DIRECT INVOCATION OF IMMEDIACY can be interpreted as not invoking your right. Even not saying you want an attorney immediately can be twisted by the police to legally mean you were unsure if you were invoking your rights.

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u/XyresicRevendication 16h ago

This is correct. If you willingly begin to Relinquish your previously invoked right to silence by answering their questions or volunteering information you effectively null the prior protections they would have offered.

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u/DopestDopeHead 9h ago

Can you provide a link for our rights? I'm having trouble finding them. Thanks

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u/XyresicRevendication 9h ago

Yes later this evening I will find and share specific cases related to this topic

Moreover, these are good resources. albeit hard to navigate sometimes but the info is there.

https://ij.org/

institute for justice. Much of our rights exist because this organization litigates for them. Support them if you can

https://www.aclu.org/ american civil liberties union & ditto

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/USReports.aspx#cell1991-1991

More recent rulings straight from the horses mouth

https://www.loc.gov/collections/united-states-reports/about-this-collection/

Library of congress archives of rulings prior to 1991

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u/utsapat 4h ago

What if you ask "am i being detained" and they say "yes"? It's literally happened to me.

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u/inphinities 21h ago

Good answer here

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u/XyresicRevendication 17h ago

Thank you. I don't normally get into pedantic arguments on the internet. However

I'm passionate about my rights , enforcing them and I hope everyone is well equipped with factual information.

I've studied this topic fervently and understanding it has saved my ass more times than I care to mention.

The OP was mostly accurate but on this topic mostly is not good enough.

I'll respond to everyone's questions on this thread , it might take some time but I will respond with factual accurate constitutionally sound information.

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u/joshl90 1d ago

Number 3 will end up with you being involved in a police chase, arrested and charged with shit UNLESS they release you from being detained and inform you that you are free to go.

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u/pizzarelli77 22h ago

Sometimes, you're a POC, so it doesn't matter what you do.

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u/IAmEggnogstic 21h ago

Remember that Black man who spent time in real jail for being named James Bond? Yeah, breathing in and out while Black is certainly enough of a crime most of the time. Trick is to avoid police encounters if you can at all. And do not drive dirty periot.

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u/imverysneakysir 20h ago

IANAL: To elaborate, how I've usually heard it described, they cannot detain you longer than is necessary/usual to wait for the drug dog. E.g., if the average speeding ticket stop takes fifteen minutes give or take 5, and they say "You don't want to consent, fine, we'll just wait for the drug dog! He'll be here in an hour!" That could be argued as excessive/unreasonable. Now whether you're making that argument on the side of the road or you need to bring it up in the courthouse, no idea. And don't forget, each state is probably slightly different.

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u/XxNitr0xX 5h ago

I can't believe they put that in there, that's seriously the worst "advice" I've ever read.

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u/ZookeepergameHour27 23h ago

I recall years ago, a guy getting pulled over in a mobile home stuffed full with bricks of weed. The guy called a taxi and left before the drug dogs got there.

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u/deathfromabove- 22h ago

cool story are you gonna explain how thats possible or maybe link what your talking about

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u/alorenz58011 22h ago

No because it’s clearly bullshit lol

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u/CorporalPunishment23 1d ago

Don't EVER talk to the police. Don't answer ANY questions. If they say, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" No! But say nothing!

When it comes to traffic stops, I might deviate slightly from this, just because there's a chance to get out of a speeding violation with a warning. (I have veteran license plates and usually get a "thank you for your service" but I'm very mindful that not everyone is going to have the same experience.)

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" I politely respond with a question "why is that sir? (or ma'am)"

"The speed limit is 55. I had you doing 68" gets a semi-incredulous "oh, wow, 68?" or something like that, not directly admitting guilt.

But, the minute they start asking questions about what I might have in my vehicle, whether I've had anything to drink tonight, etc. I'm going to invoke my rights.

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u/573V317 22h ago

This needs to be upvoted more. I feel like lawyers tell people not to EVER talk to the police because most people usually incriminate themselves. You can talk to the police for minor violations like speeding... just don't admit anything.

If you're being pulled over at 2AM after leaving the bar, then sure keep your mouth shut even if you only had one or two drinks.

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u/SakanaSanchez 21h ago

I want to say if you’re talking to a lawyer, their job is always immensely easier if you kept your mouth shut, but that doesn’t seem feasible during a traffic stop when you are trying to not escalate the situation. I mean obviously if you are committing a crime or have committed one, yes, keep your mouth shut and decline to answer any questions, but simple things like where are you headed, where are you coming from, that all seems fairly simple if your answer is mundane things like home or the store.

I mean I’ve seen the video on YouTube of the law professor saying the law can turn even that against you, but trying to pull that shit during a traffic stop seems like you’re asking for trouble. I’d have thought someone would have some sort of list of questions you’re probably ok answering and ones that the cop knows you know what they’re trying to do when you decline to answer.

Like I never see videos of someone doing a standard traffic stop, saying the whole “decline to answer” bit, and that’s the end of it. It always seems like someone trying to escalate.

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u/573V317 21h ago

I agree, their job is always easier but the goal of talking is to weasle one's way out of a ticket with just a warning so that a lawyer is no longer necessary. Also, most people aren't going to pay a lawyer to fight a speeding ticket unless they're driving 30 over which can be considered reckless driving which is a major violation.

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u/No_Tumbleweed1877 17h ago edited 17h ago

Also, most people aren't going to pay a lawyer to fight a speeding ticket unless they're driving 30 over

This is probably true but the number who do is higher than you think. If you are on a third or fourth ticket in a few years, you might be trying to avoid a suspension. Additionally, insurance premiums have gone up a lot and the $200 fine is not the true cost of a speeding ticket. It is really common for the parents of teen drivers to use these services because the dollar amount of a 30% increase can be so substantial.

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u/thatguy425 20h ago

Because you never hear about the people that talk to the police and get let off. We only hear about the ones that get their rights violated or dig themselves in a deeper hole. There’s perfectly good reason to talk to the police depending on the situation. 

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u/Electrical_Angle_701 1d ago

Cop: “My dog says you’re on drugs.”

Me: “I’m on drugs? You’re the one with the talking dog!”

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u/TheChickenIsFkinRaw 1d ago

But I wanted to pet the dog :(

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u/Stoned420Man 1d ago

A friend of mine at a music festival walked past a drug dog, turned around and went back to pet it. The dog found her coke

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u/headlesslady 1d ago

My brother was a K-9 cop; he had two teenagers cross the street to pet his drug dog, who alerted on the pot in their purses

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u/CrashedWreck 1d ago

your brother was a dog? that's awesome !

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u/malcomhung 1d ago

Can I pet your brother?

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u/Wooden_Echidna1234 19h ago

What are you? A priest?

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u/Stainless_Heart 23h ago

It was his older brother from his mom's first litter.

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u/Superior_Mirage 22h ago

Hey, did you just call his mom a bitch?

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u/Stainless_Heart 22h ago

Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!

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u/TripleBobRoss 19h ago

Oh yeah? Well I took her out for a nice seafood dinner and never called her again.

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u/nocrashing 23h ago

Mr Peanutbutter?

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u/ModestMeeshka 21h ago

... Did they get searched? This same exact thing happened to my sister and I when we were in Portland for a concert as teenagers 😅 the cop didn't harass us but the dog went BALLISTIC when we crossed the road and we were each a brownie deep and holding, it took every ounce of self control to not just book it lol

We're old and boring now but we still laugh about that story

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u/headlesslady 20h ago

Oh, yeah - they got arrested. He was on-duty and had just finished doing a demonstration w/his drug dog. :laugh: If the dog had alerted while they were far away he'd have let it go, but they came right up to him.

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u/IncorigibleDirigible 1d ago

Damn that was dumb, was she on drugs or something? /s

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u/Stoned420Man 1d ago

Completely sober at the time, if you would believe it. Didn't even get to open the baggie

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u/pinkpeonies111 23h ago

I don’t think your friend is all that bright

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u/DevilsInkpot 1d ago

Can I pet that daawwg?

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u/Apotak 1d ago

Please never pet a dog that is working. Blind people will be very thankfull.

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u/SpaceOfficer47 1d ago

ULPT: pet a blind person's service dog: they will not see it.

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u/scorpionx1121 1d ago

I hate that I snorted loudly at this in public

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u/CasualNihilist22 1d ago

Pet the blind person, but ask the dog first

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u/andyfromindiana 1d ago

Make that any service animal. They have a specific job to do that does not include amusing anyone.

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u/Katie-Davis 18h ago

I always ask before petting any dog. Working dogs tend to have 2 safety words. 1 word tells them their ‘on-duty’, the other tells them that they’re ‘off-duty’. Even the police dogs that I knew for years, I wouldn’t approach until the playtime word was said. I don’t know about service dogs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s the same or similar.

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u/Piece_Maker 13h ago

I spent some time at a police training facility a couple of years back and saw the dogs on their breaktime almost every day. The place was basically an old manor house with huge grounds and the handler would just drive to a grass field on the grounds and let them loose. Once they're off duty they're just typical happy energetic doggos who would run over to anyone who looked at them and expect pets, and the handler was happy for this to happen.

So... Yeah there's a time and place, but obviously not one most people will see unless they live with the dogs or something I guess. Just like humans, once they clock off they stop being cops and just want to chill.

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u/PredatorInc 1d ago

Do blind people hate police dogs? Or just like TSA ones? Never heard of this.

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u/iamfeck 1d ago

“TSA service dogs hate this one trick.”

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u/LTS55 1d ago

Unfortunately ACAB includes police dogs

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u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 1d ago

Authoritarian Canines Are Bastards

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u/Extreme-Worth-9587 1d ago

Think about who trains them. My understanding is many police dogs are trained to hit on smells but also by handlers (usually silent and unnoticed) command.

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u/DietCoke_repeat 1d ago

My landlord used to be friends with one of the State Police K9 officers. He was a little intimidating, but the truly scary part was that when that dog was off leash, HE. DID. NOT. LISTEN to his handler about 40% of the time.

I don't know if there's a difference between dogs that find drugs in cars and dogs that run people down and...stop??? them? But hearing the panic in the guys voice when that dog was bolting around our yard was enough to make me forever a law abiding citizen.

...well, not entirely.

ETA: but yes, they also go on commands (sometimes almost) imperceptible to human eyes.

Except for at least one dog....

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u/Bekah679872 23h ago

Drug sniffing dogs are fair game, imo. They’re not providing an essential service

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u/ConferenceSudden1519 1d ago

You can’t he is on duty and has to pay bills. So he remains professional at all times unless you have a tennis ball then it’s go time lol.

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u/Popping_n_Locke-ing 1d ago

Staying silent does not invoke your right to remain silent. Say I wish to remain silent or ask for a lawyer. That’ll do it. Or if under 18 ask for a parent.

Also grunting or “uh huh”s don’t work either.

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u/StarClutcher 1d ago

"With all due respect, I do not answer any questions without my lawyer present/or/and I politely decline to participate in your investigation."

Provide your drivers license, registration, and insurance, and those are the only words that should come out of your mouth.

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u/manwithafrotto 1d ago

What about this is unethical..?

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u/phatdragon451 1d ago

Usually, the police.

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u/MyMilkShake_Shaken 1d ago

Exactly

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u/N_M_Verville 22h ago

Then you have posted this in the WRONG subreddit. Are you lost?

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u/gujwdhufj_ijjpo 1d ago

Then the advice wouldn’t be unethical.

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u/BandagesTheMender 23h ago

Giving people bad advice.

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u/TheHeadlessScholar 23h ago

The part where OP is misinformed and following this advice will get you shot/arrested and charged over a speeding ticket.

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u/stelliferous7 1d ago

Exactly

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u/kellsdeep 1d ago

It's okay to point out how the police are unethical, and what you might think is unethical but actually isn't to defend yourself.

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u/Tw1ch1e 1d ago

You leave in the middle of a traffic stop? I’ve watched too much Cops and Live PD to know that wont work. Have you tried to just leave in the middle of a traffic stop before?

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u/RawrRawr12345 1d ago

Yeah, was gonna say. They'll just shoot or beat you if you leave.

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u/1gardenerd 23h ago

I do not want my face on the concrete with my hands behind my back.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago edited 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/jizzyjugsjohnson 1d ago

Yes. Diving for the glovebox while a cop approaches seems like genius advice

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u/unalive-robot 1d ago

Depends on pigment.

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u/shit_ass_mcfucknuts 1d ago

Especially if you're not white!

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u/joshl90 1d ago

That bottle of booze trick isn’t real and won’t help you, it will only get you charged with more

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u/unalive-robot 1d ago

Can't you guys get arrested for just having a beer outside your house ?

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u/joshl90 1d ago

FYI using the # symbol makes your text large and bold

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

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u/joshl90 1d ago

If you chug liquor in front of a cop on a traffic stop, you are getting arrested and at minimum getting your blood drawn at the hospital. You could be charged with obstruction, public intoxication, DWI, I’m sure several others. Don’t fuck around with this stupid internet fake hack or do and face the likely consequences but enjoy paying a lawyer a lot of money

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u/LittleYelloDifferent 1d ago

Reasonable ARTICULABLE suspicion.

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u/straycraftlady 1d ago

A lot of places have open container laws, and being drunk in a vehicle, especially if you are in the driver's seat and the keys in the ignition even if you aren't driving can be enough to get a DUI. People can and have been convicted of DUI when they were sleeping it off in their car.

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u/Comfortable-Will231 1d ago

Solid move!

Except, oh wait! Alcohol intoxication isn’t immediate! So you already stumbling and slurring your words? The already bad driving?

Aww pumpkin! That’s enough to already get you on dui 🥰

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u/avega2792 1d ago

Yeah, you can’t just leave a traffic stop. Legal or not, you’re getting arrested if you leave before the cop says you can go.

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u/No-Jellyfish-9341 1d ago

I promise you, this is at best badly paraphrased.

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u/Abner-Kravitz 23h ago

Never consent to a search. Always make them get a warrant, that can then be challenged in court( especially at the appellate level ).You would be surprised at how many warrants are flawed.

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u/coaxui 11h ago

The thing is, i would be more afraid of getting shot than being right...

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u/ohsh_titsnick 20h ago

Also be an average white male.

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u/mynameisbob69 1d ago

On point #2, keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, even while the officer is approaching your vehicle. If not, they can accuse you of what is called furtive movement, which is probable cause for them to ask you to step out of your vehicle.

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/girlbball32 21h ago

Cops don't need probable cause to ask you to step out. Pennsylvania v Mims allows them to order you out of your car on a traffic stop. They need probable cause to SEARCH your vehicle.

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u/dpick032 1d ago

3 tip will get you in trouble real fast. You can be detained for reason suspicion and there are several case laws saying that one is detained while waiting for a dog to show up (assuming you were pulled over for a lawful reason). There is no set time limit or a magic clock that starts sticking.

If you follow #3 you almost guaranteed yourself a trip to jail. Don’t follow #3.

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u/CatchyNameSomething 1d ago

In Georgia, at least, you cannot be kept after satisfying the reason for the stop. Say youre pulled over for speeding. They want to search your car and you tell them no. They inform you that they have a dog on the way and you can go sit “over there” and wait. If they’ve given you your speeding ticket, they cannot detain you further. Of course, they probably will but anything after that point is moot because they’re overplaying their hand.

I went through this exact thing. That was my story. The dog came 1.5 hours later. Had the ticket in hand for over an hour. Dog came, cop said he alerted so they’re searching the car. The dog alerted to nothing except a half eaten burger in the back seat which is the only seat he went to. After the search, I was arrested for what they found in the front seat (where the dog never was) and toted away. Luckily it was all on video. I got a letter from them 4 months later that the charges had been dropped due to circumstances surrounding the arrest.

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u/Leading-Tower-5953 23h ago

Can this magic be learned? I too would like to be slippery when dealing with police.

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u/CatchyNameSomething 19h ago

My point was that the officer overstepped his bounds and the charges had to be dropped.

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u/Ok_Strategy5722 1d ago

I feel like if you asked if you were under arrest and they said no, and you left while they were waiting for a drug dog, they would arrest you. I’m not saying this information is incorrect, but knowing the law means very little if the police don’t also know the law.

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u/3PoundsOfFlax 1d ago

Ethical

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u/kuroi-hasu 22h ago

I so love that we still believe they give a single fuck about following any rules regarding your afforded rights.

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u/CaptainPunisher 1d ago

You actually have to tell them that you're refusing to answer questions. Your silence CAN be used against you if you don't actively assert your rights. You also have to actively deny consent to searches.

You can't just ask if you're under arrest and leave. You could still be detained without being arrested. The question to add is "Am I free to leave," or "Am I being detained?" If they say you're not being detained, you are free to leave.

That said, use a little situational awareness when dealing with cops. A little politeness can make things go a lot easier than being a hardass about your rights. Always be aware of your rights and assert them as needed, sometimes it's just easier for everyone (including you) to reasonably comply and move along.

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u/N_M_Verville 22h ago edited 22h ago

I don't know who you are or where you've gotten your information from but this post needs to be taken down.

You're clearly not a lawyer or in law enforcement...and I doubt you've ever worked in any capacity in the legal system.

Based on your comments on this post, you seem to understand just enough to be stupid. You do not ever walk or drive away from a cop just because they haven't arrested you. They can detain you without arresting you. A traffic stop is a detention. If you ask "am I free to leave" and they say no, you're being detained.

You're giving people extremely harmful "advice."

I strongly suggest you stay in your lane and stop talking about things you don't know nearly enough about to even have an opinion on.

Oh...and P.S. you either entirely misunderstood the lawyer or that person is a terrible lawyer.

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u/CatLineMeow 1d ago

As for #2, they’ll just make something up, such as when park rangers insisted my car smelled like weed and that gave them probable cause. No, it didn’t. Not only do I not smoke, but no one has ever smoked weed in my car.

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u/tbombs23 19h ago

Michigan just ruled that smell of weed isn't probable cause!!!

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u/Significant-Royal-37 19h ago

very funny that you guys still think USA has rule of law.

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u/ZombiesAtKendall 1d ago

While you may be correct, you’re still at the mercy of the police. Even if it’s within your rights, you might end up pissing them off.

I don’t like the police at all, but it may be better for you to just say where you are going rather than stay silent.

So when you’re asked if you know why you were pulled over and you stay silent, they ask where you were going and you stay silent, it will probably look suspicious.

Not saying you should just let them search your vehicle or anything, but being polite might mean a warning instead of legally being right but getting a ticket out of it.

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u/NefariousnessLumpy73 23h ago

Cops lie ALL THE TIME!!

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u/ChefChefBubbaBill 22h ago

When they made me wait for a police dog when I was pulled over they made me wait in the back of a cop car.. how do I leave then?

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u/NeoMaxiZoomDweebean 5h ago

“You can beat the rap, but you can’t beat the ride.”

Yes this is technically good advice, but have enough situational awareness to know when not to be an obstinate dick and provoke a reaction.

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u/johall3210 3h ago

Does this work for black people? Asking for a friend.

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u/LowBidder505 3h ago

Short answer is, you may be taken to jail either way and depending on your demeanor and the pig, you’re more than likely to be physically assaulted in the process ( times 10 for “POC”), however, by following the “script” you are ensuring your lawyer will eventually have all options at his/her disposal because you followed the script. That means not only beating the charges but hopefully collecting a nice fat check from whatever city/town employs the pos nazi pig!

THE SCRIPT - potbrothersatlaw

  1. “Why did you pull me over?”

  2. (When they ask questions like where are you going? Where are you coming from? What is that smell?) “I’m not discussing my day.

  3. “Am I being detained or am I free to go?” (If you are being detained, invoke the 5th amendment.)

  4. Then, you “STFU”!

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u/FJ-creek-7381 1d ago

They may try or even do it (detain you) but it should be thrown out - not sure how laws will work now that a certain someone is 🎁

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u/oaxacamm 11h ago

At this rate if you’re brown you’ll already be in El Salvador by the time your lawyer gets it thrown out. Citizen or not.

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u/Morphecto_Solrac 1d ago

I was driving with my brother a long time ago and the police pulled us over. My brother was on probation at the time and the police told us that since he was on probation, that gave them free will to search the vehicle without probable cause. We waited 5 hours for a drug dog as well as them taking apart inside panels of the car looking for who knows what.

They obviously didn’t find anything and were pretty annoyed by the end as if we had inconvenienced them.

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u/MyMilkShake_Shaken 21h ago

Glad you inconvenienced them tho.

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u/Triple96 1d ago

You Have the Right to Remain Innocent is a great book about this kind of stuff. It has examples of innocent people trying to help the police who then had their statements used to convict them

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u/ProfessionalLeave335 1d ago

It's important to know your rights so you can tell when the police violate them, because they will be doing that.

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u/357-Magnum-CCW 22h ago

Or just do it the Mel Gibson way:    call the cops "pigs", get drunk and then make an epic movie about Jesus 

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u/And-he-war-haul 20h ago

What's unethical about knowing your rights?

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u/VibratingNinja 17h ago

There are caveats to the first one. You are still required to identify yourself to police if asked, at least in most states. Otherwise they are allowed to detain you until you can be identified. Which bleeds in to the third one.

Mindlessly repeating "I don't answer questions" often lead to the stop taking longer than necessary with absolutely no benefit to you.

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u/I_Be_Strokin_it 17h ago

This book is excellent. It's absolutely mind blowing what cops can and will do based on what you think is an innocent conversation WHEN YOU'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG. I recommend that everybody read this.

https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Right-Remain-Innocent/dp/1503933393

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u/Affinity-Charms 17h ago

The police have come knocking on my door twice now telling me somebody inside my home is dialing 911, and the second time when I went to get the ID they asked for, they walked into my sunroom uninvited. If they come back a third time what should I do?? Not answer, answer through the ring? Do I answer any questions?? There's no kids here, and it's not me or husband. I really hope they don't come back.

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u/fun_crush 2h ago

Lawyer here,

  1. Never ever agree to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are designed to make you fail, and that gives them enough probable cause to search your vehicle. Instead, demand a breathalyzer if you haven't been drinking.

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u/MyMilkShake_Shaken 2h ago

I’ve been waiting for a lawyer to chime in! lol thanks! I love that you’re in this subreddit. 😉

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u/DmSurfingReddit 1d ago

Good luck with trying to leave. They'll throw you to the ground and maybe stomp on you a couple of times.

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u/Cool_Contribution_47 1d ago

Yeah like let's not pretend this wouldn't get you killed

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u/Gamer30168 1d ago

They can manufacturer probable cause. All they have to do is say they smell marijuana.

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u/Basic_Assumption5311 1d ago

Michigan Supreme Court just ruled they cannot here, hopefully will set precedent for other legal states.

https://www.wkar.org/wkar-news/2025-04-04/mich-supreme-court-marijuana-smell-alone-not-enough-to-search-a-car?_amp=true

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u/tbombs23 19h ago

So proud

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u/UnoriginalJ0k3r 23h ago

r/UnintelligentLifeProTips in the building 👌🏼👌🏼

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u/FoolishDancer 1d ago

Which country is this for?

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u/SpelunkyJunky 1d ago

If they don't mention the country, it probably means OP is from the USA.

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u/avega2792 1d ago

The one with the most freedom.

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u/squeegibo 11h ago

just going to leave this one here. Michael Rappaport is a goddamn treasure.

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u/tgodxy 1d ago

Cops can absolutely say you are detained while a dog unit comes. If you leave they will follow you. They have the power the throw whatever charges they want at you & it’s your job to go to court & prove your innocence. There will be no consequences for the officer. The American justice system is totally broken. If you take the advice from this post I wish you the best of luck.

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u/Goge97 1d ago

AND it costs them nothing. It costs you a helluva lot of money, and time.

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u/gpbst3 1d ago

The first one is somewhat bad advice. Worst case scenario is you get a ticket. If your cool and say sorry I screwed up, I’ll be more careful, there is a much better chance of getting a warning.

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u/bugbugladybug 1d ago

In an ideal world, yes. But we don't live in an ideal world.

There are loads of cops that will be cool if you say you fucked up which is cool (experienced it myself), but there's also loads of cops that are literally looking for any reason to assert power onto someone that they just don't like the look of.

The problem for someone getting stopped, is that you don't know if it's a good guy, or a glorified gang member.

I've never had an issue, but I'm a middle class white woman. I'm sure other marginalized people will experience issues regularly depending on where they live.

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u/Meep4000 1d ago

They 100% can search your car without a warrant if they are having towed, so be careful on this one.

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u/Lereddit117 1d ago
  1. Is gonna get ppl arrested. That really depends on your state. In my state there ie a time limit and it depends on why they stopped you etc.

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u/iknowmike 1d ago

"I'm not discussing my day with you sir/ma'am."

"How much have you had to drink?" "I'm not discussing my day with you sir."

"What drugs have you taken today?" "I'm not discussing my day with you ma'am"

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u/andrewsad1 23h ago

May be worth adding this link to your post: Don't Talk to the Police

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u/Extension-Dig-58 23h ago

I can only imagine this working for entitled whites.

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u/theBdub22 23h ago

ULPT: Give people shitty tips in exchange for karma

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u/New_Dig_9835 22h ago

Police are allowed to lie to you if they want. You say nothing!

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u/pizzarelli77 22h ago

In states where medical cannabis is legal, dogs aren't looking for it. It's medicine. Now the dogs have to know the difference between cannabis and illegal substances.

Colorado Court Complicates Life For Drug-Sniffing Dogs https://www.npr.org/2019/05/26/727107486/colorado-court-complicates-life-for-drug-sniffing-dogs

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u/40ozSmasher 21h ago

"They can not detain you" yeah. Don't push that.

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u/elmajico101 21h ago

Don't all they have to say is, 'smells line alcohol/marijuana in here....step out of the car.' ? Then my alcohol and weed would be confiscated :(

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u/HumbleCookieDog 21h ago

I don’t understand how anyone would ever get away with 3. They can use “running away/seeming like they wanted to get away fast” as probable cause. If the drug dog is on the way I see no way out of getting arrested besides I guess a massive cash bribe.

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u/Raraavisalt434 21h ago

If you're driving, you have to have a valid driver's license and insurance.

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u/jizzmaster-zer0 20h ago

thats not unethical my dude, thats your rights

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u/zwalker91 18h ago

Nothing about this is unethical 

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u/bessemer0 18h ago

This is closer to unethical life amateur tips

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u/No_Tumbleweed1877 17h ago

Good tips? Yes. Unethical? No. Especially if you ask anyone in the legal system besides the police.

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u/Patient-01 12h ago

And what happened? We have some USA people legally living kidnapped and in El Salvador prison

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u/Patient-01 12h ago

So deaf people have to say invoking my right ?

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u/StrainBroda 12h ago

Very interesting, I have a question.
What about the security guards in the supermarkets, are they entitled to stop me after having paid to check inside my bag (and/or altogether with my receipt)?
I'm actually based in the EU, maybe there are different rules from the US.

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u/Sho_Nuff_1021 8h ago

Afaik going into places like Costco or Sam's club, where you pay a membership fee for the privilege, they can stop you at the door to see if the receipt matches. At regular grocery stores or Walmart, you can tell em to fuck off and keep walking. At least here in the states.

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u/Pompous_Italics 9h ago

Regarding one. You're going to Target or Publix. It's a regular Sunday morning. You get pulled over. The cop asks if you know why. It is well within your rights to play the muh rights game. But be advised that doing so will almost certainly unnecessarily prolong the stop. It might cause you to get a ticket when you otherwise would've been let off with a warning.

I'd advise you to be careful how you answer questions like, "did you know you were speeding?" because both yes or no are incriminating.

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u/No_Accident2331 7h ago

One of the stupidest things you can do is piss off a cop with the “muh-rights!” game—or worse, the “sovereign citizen” bit.

I was told this by a cop.

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u/notmyrealnam3 6h ago

OP trying to get someone killed with #3. Terrible advice.

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u/scienceisrealtho 5h ago

My wife practiced criminal defense and always says "nothing good ever comes from talking to police."

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u/DarkRyter 4h ago

"Don't EVER talk to the police. Don't answer ANY questions. If they say, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" No! But say nothing."

What if you're the victim of a crime, or there's a severe emergency? You call 911, they send police and then you just be quiet?

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u/Soft_Eggplant9132 3h ago

For a while there when I got pulled over and the cop asked me, " Do you know why I you pulled you over?" I would say," Yes, you wanted to ask me if MacDonald's still sells those happy meals with a toy."
Works every time.

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u/Kindly-Arachnid-7966 23h ago

Good way to show you have little to no idea what the fuck you're talking about. Try this out and get back to us, OP.

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