Philadelphia, PA asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania

Q: PSP officer (5hrs away) pulled me over for crack in windshield. Can he from so far from his station & draw his weapon?

I was 5 houses away from my house bringing the car up to get some air in the tires because I was cleaning it to sell. It wasn't fully legal. I did not think I'd get in trouble for trying to get air nor get petrified for my life by an officer a few houses from my own bc of crack in winshield and registration. When I waved to him I was pulling over in the gas station I pulled up and turned my car off, I then took my seatbelt off and opened the door with my hands both out. I was nervous of course and he drew his weapon yelling for me to get back in the car like I was a criminal. In the meantime my children were walking up to the store to get candy with a group of friends in the midst of all this.

1 Lawyer Answer
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Yes, a PA State Police trooper can pull you over for violations of the Vehicle Code -- like a cracked windshield. They have jurisdiction to do so throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Drawing his weapon on you is a different story. I'm answering your question as a criminal defense attorney, and I've answered it. I'll leave the rest of your story to an attorney that practices civil rights litigation. Best of luck to you.

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