Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn said he felt violated after being pulled over recently by police. Dunn, who is African-American, was pulled over by four (4) white police officer and forced to answer numerous personal questions. The officers told Warrick that he was pulled over because the tint on his car windows was too dark, but that also 'he had the characteristics of people transporting drugs and guns.' After searching his car, police released Dunn with only a warning. While our society proclaims that all men are created equal, Dunn"s experience shows that racial profiling is alive and well in America.
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits unreasonable search and seizure. A traffic stop can be considered a 'seizure' of the person. The Fourth Amendment prohibits police officers from conducting traffic stops for no reason or an improper reason, like race. If a police officer stops a vehicle for no reason or an improper reason and then finds drugs, weapons or other evidence of a crime, the evidence may be suppressed. If evidence is suppressed, that means that it cannot be admitted at trial because it is considered 'tainted' by the illegal search. Under some circumstances, an illegal search can also be the basis for a civil suit for money damages against the police department.
If you or someone you know is being prosecuted for a drug offense, firearm offense or other crime based on evidence that was found because of an illegal search, it is important that you contact a Las Vegas Criminal Attorney right away. A Las Vegas Criminal Lawyer can help you analyze the facts of your case, advise you whether the evidence against you may be suppressed, and determine whether civil action is appropriate in your case.