Was it Legal for Police to Pull Me Over in Nebraska?

Most criminal defendants are familiar with the term probable cause; however, many are surprised to find out officers need only “reasonable suspicion” to perform an investigatory stop.

In State v. Staten the Nebraska Supreme Court stated “police can constitutionally stop and briefly detain a person for investigative purposes if the police have a reasonable suspicion, supported by articulable facts, that criminal activity exists, even if probable cause is lacking under the fourth amendment.” 238 Neb. 13 (1991). For criminal defense attorneys and their clients the law regarding reasonable suspicion and what constitutes a legal stop is extremely important, as it often determines what evidence is allowed in at trial, which in many cases is the difference between being found guilty versus your case being dismissed.

Issues involving a stop, a detention or search and seizure are almost always present in cases involving drugs offenses or prosecutions for DUI.

Related Pages

Do Police Have To Read You Your Miranda Rights?

How to Navigate Between a Ticket and a New Charge

Do I Need a DUI Lawyer for a First Offense DUI in Nebraska?