Date:         Sat, 14 Nov 1998 18:22:31 +0000
Reply-To:     "R. Hotchkiss" <hotch@NETAXS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "R. Hotchkiss" <hotch@NETAXS.COM>
Subject:      Re: GETTING STOPPED BY POLICE--Is it me or is it my Westy?
Comments: To: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; x-mac-type="54455854";
              x-mac-creator="4D4F5353"

Hey all,

If a cop asks you to search your car, that means he does not have a legal reason to
do so yet.  He/She might try to pressure you but as Nancy Reagan put it, "Just Say
No" you have every right.

If your clean, you have nothing to worry about.

Hotch
86 Vanagon GL
89 Jetta GL
(engaged to a lawyer)
Philly



> > <<>>  But I guess we have no choice pretty much if/
> > when we are asked if they can search the van but to let them?  ph '80
> >
>
> Don't cower in fear of rogue cops.  You have every right to say NO, and you
> should unless you don't mind giving your rights and your freedom away.  You can
> say something like, "officer, unless you have some reason to believe i a have
> comitted a crime or am doing something illegal, I'd prefer that you not search
> my vehicle.  I've done nothing wrong and have no intention of breaking the
> law."  What's he going to say?  If you confront them as a polite, law abiding
> citizen, chances are they'll balk and let it go.  Otherwise in order to search
> the vehicle he has to arrest you (for what) or get a warrant (for what and why
> go to all the hassel) or conduct an illegal search (and if you have nothing,
> he'll have to let you go).    Be firm but very polite and reasonable and
> friendly.  this is for those of us who DO mind getting searched just because we
> drive vanagons....
> steve
>