Q: I was pulled over because my license plate number matched an out of state plate number from a stolen plate or vehicle.
This traffic stop consequently led to further legal action taken by the officer which has the potential for dismissal if the reason for the stop was invalid. Was this an invalid traffic stop?
A: Worth a short but unlikely. The fact of the matter is that case law supports the proposition that police may be wrong if acting in good faith. I could very easily see an officer testify, and a judge believing, that just seeing the number match a known stolen plate is sufficient for a traffic stop.
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