Q: can police stop a vehicle looking for someone with a warrant without seeing them in the car nor a traffic violation NM
the vehicle is not registered to person with the warrant
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In New Mexico, as in other states, police generally need a valid reason to stop a vehicle. This can be a traffic violation or reasonable suspicion that a crime is being, has been, or is about to be committed. If the police are looking for someone with a warrant, they typically need some basis to believe that the person is in the vehicle they intend to stop.
The fact that a vehicle is not registered to the person with the warrant doesn't automatically provide grounds for a police stop, unless there are other factors at play that give the officers reasonable suspicion. For example, if the police have credible information that the person with the warrant is likely to be in that specific vehicle, that could potentially justify a stop.
If you believe that a vehicle was stopped without a valid reason or reasonable suspicion, it could be a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. In such cases, it might be beneficial to consult with an attorney to review the specifics of the stop and determine if your rights were violated.
Remember, each situation is unique and the legality of a police stop can depend on a variety of factors. An attorney can provide specific guidance based on the details of your case.
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.
