Can the police search my Car in a private parking lot?

Most times they will ask why you are there and that would be it if you legally belong there since it is private property. The police need probable cause or consent in order to search your vehicle. Sitting in a private parking lot in the middle of the night is certainly suspicious behavior, but not enough to search without consent.

Can a police officer Pat you down for no reason?

Arguing with a police officer or resisting arrest can give an officer probable cause for the arrest. Police are permitted to pat you down to ensure that you are not carrying a dangerous weapon. However, do not consent to a search of your person, belongings, vehicle, or home.

What happens if a police officer is convicted of a crime?

Police officers who commit crimes face the same criminal penalties as other citizens. If a police officer is guilty of domestic violence, hit and run, or any other crime, a judge can sentence the officer to the same punishments as you face.

What happens if a police officer is found guilty of domestic violence?

If a police officer is guilty of domestic violence, hit and run, or any other crime, a judge can sentence the officer to the same punishments as you face. The officer can serve time in prison, pay fines, and be on probation. However, general crimes are not the only things that a cop can do that would be illegal.

Why did the police officer stop a car in a parking lot?

The State argued that the stop was proper because the officer knew the area was high crime, knew the occupants were drug users and saw the driver bend down in his seat. But the Court noted that the car was in a public parking lot in the middle of the day.

What happens if a police officer walks up to you?

But generally, if an officer walks up to you on the street without any reason to believe you have been involved in a crime, you are not required to answer his questions. 2. A “Terry stop” (a brief investigatory stop) This second kind of police interaction involves a temporary detention. Not an arrest, but you are not free to walk away.

Was the police stop of a drug-using driver justified?

The State argued that the stop was proper because the officer knew the area was high crime, knew the occupants were drug users and saw the driver bend down in his seat. But the Court noted that the car was in a public parking lot in the middle of the day. Other than recognizing the driver as someone who used drugs, there was nothing else unusual.