Sacramento, CA asked in Civil Rights and Personal Injury for California

Q: After picking up my g-son being harassed by police, can they follow us and pull me over n force us out my car @ gunpoint

A false report was filed on my son by deranged girlfriend. Police went to my sons home. My grandson answered the door. They asked him his name. He told them he was a junior they made him come outside handcuffed him, took his phone, put them in back of the police vehicle. His girlfriend called me at 2:03 AM October 20, 2023. That’s when I headed over there @ 2:19 AM. There were lots of police there, my grandson told the officers I was his grandma. The officers blocked me in when I pulled up I was ask who was inside I said I don’t know I don’t live here. The officer said that my son was driving a two door Honda accord. I have a black four-door Lexus after talking to officers for about 10 minutes. I asked if that was it so I can go back home once my grandson and I got in my vehicle. The officer backed up so I can back out because I was blocked in. At 2:27 AM. heading down E. Commerce Way the officer continued following me. We heard lots of sirens. That’s when we were forced out @GP

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2 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Civil Rights Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Law enforcement officers have the authority to pull over a vehicle if they have reasonable suspicion of a crime or a traffic violation. However, the specifics of your situation, such as being followed and then stopped without clear reason, raise concerns about the legality and propriety of the police actions.

It is important for you to know that the police must have a justifiable reason for stopping a vehicle and for detaining its occupants. Drawing a weapon and ordering occupants out of a car is considered a high-risk stop and typically requires a reasonable belief of a serious threat to officer or public safety. Without such justification, this could be considered excessive.

If you believe that your rights or your grandson's rights were violated, it would be wise to document everything that happened, including times, locations, and the officers' actions and statements. You can file a complaint with the police department's internal affairs division or seek advice from a legal professional experienced in civil rights law. They can provide guidance based on the specifics of your case and help determine the best course of action.

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: the answer is...it depends!

what facts were the police acting upon?

does son or girlfriend have a history/record of doing this or anything else?

what was their Probable Cause for stopping, cuffing etc

the police report will enlighten everyone.

consult with a local lawyer who has contact to find out info informally.

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