Q: I was stopped walking in to check in my hotel, & illegally searched & he found some contraband and arrested me.
He then searched my car and towed it. He had no probable cause as I had just left my church from a funeral, and they gave us a donation to get the hotel because my house burned down. It was not a traffic stop, and everything we didn't lose in the fire is in the car at the tow yard, we were living out of it.
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A:
First, you need to understand your rights. If the officer did not have probable cause or a warrant to search you or your car, the search might be considered illegal. Without a legal reason, any evidence found during such a search may be inadmissible in court.
You should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss your situation. An attorney can help you understand if your rights were violated and what steps to take next. They can also assist in retrieving your belongings from the tow yard and advise on how to handle the contraband charges.
Gather any evidence you have, such as witness statements from the church or documentation of the funeral and donation. This information can help support your case. Stay calm and follow your lawyer’s advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.
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