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?


Asked on 7/04/07, 5:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

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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Answered on 7/20/07, 12:19 am


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