The Camp Law Firm, PLLC

Jackson Criminal Defense Attorney

Prosecutors, police, and investigators are interested in putting those they arrest behind bars. Everything they do is directed towards proving their case against you – not finding exculpatory evidence to prove your innocence. That’s why The Camp Law Firm, PLLC is dedicated to aggressively protecting the rights of its clients. We inform clients of what the police can and cannot do and stand beside clients to ensure investigators do not violate their Constitutional rights. The information provided below is intended to alert those accused of a crime or under investigation of certain basic rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

For more information regarding your case, contact Jackson criminal defense attorney Kevin D. Camp today and schedule a free, confidential consultation. We represent clients throughout Mississippi, including Oxford, Hattiesburg, Vicksburg, Flowood, Pearl, Starkville, Ridgeland, and Meridian.

Can the Police Just Pull Me Over?

The police must have probable cause to pull someone over. Typically, erratic driving, suspicious behavior, or a clear violation of the law provides police with a reason to pull someone over. Additionally, police can establish a road block in order to check compliance with seat belt laws or search for an criminal suspected to be in the area. The police cannot simply pull someone over. If you are pulled over, however, you should comply with the officer’s request but remember everything asked of you and the reasons given for your being stopped.

Can the Police Search My Car?

In general, the police can search a vehicle if they have probable cause to suspect the car’s occupants may be engaged in illegal activity. For instance, if the officer smells marijuana or alcohol, he has probable cause to suspect drugs or alcohol may be in the car. If, however, someone is pulled over for a minor traffic violation and the officer does not observe anything suspicious, he cannot search your car. If he sees something illegal or suspicious in plain view – a firearm, open beer bottle, or drug paraphernalia – he can proceed to search your car.

Can the Police Search My House?

If the police have a search warrant signed by a judge, specifying the areas to be searched and the items to be searched for, they can enter your home and conduct a search of its premises. However, their search must comply with the terms of the warrant and cannot overstep its bounds. If the police do not have a warrant but ask if they can enter your home to look around, you do not have to let them in or speak to them. If you give them permission and they find illegal items or contraband, the evidence can be used against you at trial since you consented to the search. Whether the police have a search warrant or not, you should immediately contact an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Do I have to Talk to the Police?

You are under no obligation to speak to the police if they ask to speak with you. While you must provide them with identification, you do not have to answer any of their questions. While this may be interpreted as a sign of guilt, in cases where the police detain you or ask to interview you it is best to inform them that you would prefer to talk to an attorney first. If the police handcuff you and begin asking you questions, you can ask if you are being held under arrest. If you are not under arrest, you can ask to be let go; if you are under arrest, your rights should be read to you and anything you say afterwards can be used against you. If you are taken to the police station and interrogated, ask to see an attorney immediately and say nothing further to the police.

Protect Your Rights

At all times, you should comply with police instructions and cooperate with them. However, if at any time you believe you may be arrested, are under arrest, or are a suspect in a crime, ask to speak to a lawyer.

For more information regarding your rights and how we can help you, contact Jackson, Mississippi criminal defense attorney Kevin D. Camp today. We’ll aggressively defend your rights and ensure you don’t incriminate yourself or fall victim to illegal searches, seizures, and interrogation techniques. Call today – your freedom could depend on it.