Phoenix, AZ asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Arizona

Q: when you're stopped on your bicycle the reason being no lights can they take your pocket knife from your hip that is 2"

I did have lights front and back as he's searching my fanny pack the other officer said I fit the description that was given earlier. I did not fit the description I was just on a bicycle in the area actually I was headed directly to the crime scene so and headed toward the police cruisers the cop used several different reasons why he needed to open my fanny pack I don't think they legally had authority to ask me for it

1 Lawyer Answer

A: If you were riding your bike at night, they can pull you over for not having lights. They can't search you absent reasonable suspicion or search incident to arrest.

Sounds like you pocketknife was legal. See the following blog on knives in Arizona https://www.rideoutlaw.com/carry-a-knife-in-arizona/

The problem with police departments once they take an item, its hard to get it back. You can call whatever police department's property and evidence department to check the status of your property.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.