Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

I live in Ypsilanti, MI. Last night i was pulled over after going straight in a right turn lane. The officer immediately asked me if i had any "dope" (referring to marijuana) in the car. I told him I did not, and he asked me to step outside the vehicle. I told the officer i had nothing to hide in the vehicle and that he could not search my car. The officer handcuffed me (upset that I told him not to search my car) and put me in the back of his car. He then proceeded to search my car only to return with two small (less than a gram) bags of marijuana and two beers. On the drive back to the police station the officer told me that he could smell marijuana coming from my car. He did not fully cover my rights but did tell me that what i said would be used in court and that I'd better get a good lawyer. Did the officer have a right to search my car? Did he have the right to ask me questions without telling me I was allowed to have a lawyer present? I also have a baseball sized bruise on my side from when the officer forcefully pushed me into his car. What should I do in court?


Asked on 12/13/09, 9:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

You should have an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney fighting for you. There are complex legal issues in your case. Our firm has had extensive experience with protecting constitutional rights of people like you throughout the lower pensinsul of Michigan. You can read more about us and our track record at:

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Answered on 12/19/09, 5:47 am
Daniel Hajji Daniel Hajji & Associates

Sounds like your 4th amendment right against search and seizure were violated. The officer was right about getting yourself a good lawyer. Contact us immediately. We are experienced in all drug crimes. Attorneys of Michigan. 888.484.9349.

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Answered on 12/19/09, 12:20 pm


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