Drug dogs are trained to detect illegal substances. Law enforcement officers in Aiken often use them to search for illegal substances and establish probable cause.
Drug dogs can, therefore, be used to search your car, home, or any other property. Thankfully, the U.S. Constitution protects you from illegal searches and seizures.
If you have been arrested after a drug dog search in Aiken, South Carolina, you may feel that you cannot defend yourself at all. So, we highly recommend hiring our experienced and knowledgeable drug crimes defense lawyers.
We will look at the circumstances of your drug dog search and determine whether your rights were violated during the search and seizure process.
If you believe your rights were violated, you need to seek legal advice from our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs (JJWLS).
Our team of experienced and skilled lawyers can help lessen or even dismiss the charges brought against you. We can safeguard your rights and secure your future.
What Are My Rights Regarding Drug Dog Searches?
If you are suspected of a drug crime, you have to be aware of the rights you have. Remember, the U.S. Constitution guarantees several rights to anyone accused of a crime.
Therefore, you have a number of rights regarding drug dog searches. It is crucial to know your rights to protect yourself from unwanted searches.
Here are your rights regarding drug dog searches in Aiken, South Carolina:
You Have the Right to Refuse a Search
Your 4th Amendment Constitutional rights protect you and your property from illegal searches and seizures by law enforcement officers.
So, if the officials do not have a search warrant or probable cause, you have the right to refuse to give consent to a search. They cannot search your property unless you give your consent.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
If, however, you have been arrested after a drug dog search, you have the right to remain silent. Do not speak with law enforcement officers. Do not provide statements to police officers.
Why?
Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. So, do not argue your case, and do not make any statements. Do not discuss anything with police officers or even with your loved ones and friends.
You Have the Right to an Attorney
A right to counsel exists under the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In fact, the state is required to provide you with a public defender, especially if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
So, if you have been arrested, you should ask for a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer understands your legal rights and options. Your lawyer will protect your rights and aggressively fight for you in court.
Looking for reliable and reputable criminal defense attorneys in Aiken, SC? Feel free to contact us at JJWLS.
Do the Police Need My Consent to Search My Property?
If there is no probable cause and no search warrant, the police officers will need your consent to search your property. It is within your rights to refuse permission to search your property.
However, if the police officer has probable cause, they can search your property without a warrant, even if you do not give consent.
When Does a Drug Dog Violate Your Rights?
A drug dog may violate your rights under certain circumstances. Remember, police officers need to have probable cause to search your property without a warrant.
A drug dog search will, therefore, violate your rights, if they do not have probable cause or a search warrant. The officers must ask for permission to search your property.
Drug Dogs and Traffic Stops
Police officers can legally stop you for a traffic violation. However, they cannot just pull you over and let a drug dog sniff around your car without your permission.
They need a little bit more to search your car. For instance, they need to have probable cause to perform a warrantless search.
Drug Dogs and Your Home
The U.S. Constitution protects you and your property from illegal searches and seizures by the police. Therefore, police officers cannot bring a drug dog to search your property without a warrant.
Do not consent to a search without a warrant. Why? You will be surrendering your 4th amendment right.
How Can JJWLS Help?
A case involving drug dog searches can be challenging and complex. It can leave you feeling stressed, frustrated, and confused. It is, therefore, very important to understand the circumstances under which law enforcement officers can conduct a drug dog search.
Keep in mind that you are protected from illegal searches and seizures. Illegal searches can violate your rights and adversely impact your case. In addition, it is difficult to prove that you were subjected to an illegal search.
Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can make a huge difference in your case. So, if you have been subjected to a drug dog search in Aiken and you believe the drug dog search violated your rights, we urge you to contact our attorneys at JJWLS.
Call Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer & Staggs today at (803) 649-5338. We can help you achieve the best results based on the facts of your case.
