Get the Help You Need in Pennsylvania Pretextual Stops and Arrests
You may not be familiar with the term "pretextual," but you will understand what it means if it happens to you. A pretextual motor vehicle stop scenario could go like this: You are pulled over for a burned-out taillight. You soon figure out that the police are really stopping you to search your car because they suspect a DUI, or think you might have an illegal substance in your possession. In fact, what the police are doing is illegal and they know it. They cannot stop you on the pretext of one thing based solely on the suspicion of something else.
You Were Stopped ... Now What?
As in any case in which you are stopped by the police, especially if you feel you were illegally arrested, you should not give any information beyond your name and address without talking to an attorney experienced in criminal defense. If you are uncertain whether or not your stop or arrest was pretextual, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I think I was stopped as a matter of racial profiling?
- Do I think I was stopped because of my age (under 21)?
- Was I stopped and asked what I was doing in the area?
- Did the police officer try to justify searching me, my car or my passengers?
- Was I detained without an explanation?
- Was I arrested for a reason other than that for which I was stopped?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may have been the victim of a pretextual stop or arrest. Learn more about what you can do by calling us at The Law Offices of William R. Bernhart at 610-285-8410.
Call for a Free Initial Consultation – Start Protecting Your Rights
If you or a family member are in need of experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact our Reading, Pennsylvania office by e-mail or call us at 610-285-8410 (toll-free at 1-866-970-1597) to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
