Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida
Police ran tag for no reason.
The other day as I was coming out of
Wal-mart, a sheriff decided to get
behind me and run my tag. I was
doing the speed limit so I was not
worried. I got into the left turning
lane to turn and as soon as I turned
he put on his lights. He proceeded to
tell me that my tag came up in the
computer as invalid or not registered
(it was a Georgia tag and in GA they
give you a year sticker with your tag
number on it every year at renewal).
My boyfriend (who is a rather large
black man) and I were in the car
together. Could this officer have
been lying? Could he have decided to
racially profile us? Would I have a
case if we decided to pursue this?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Police ran tag for no reason.
NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.
Officers can and do arbitrarily run tags of cars when they happen to be behind them. Unless you have proof of racial profiling (and not a suspicion) you do not have any case.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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