Legal Question in Traffic Law in Illinois

being stopped for no reason what-so-ever

I had picked up a family member who had called when his car wouildn't start due to sub zero weather, less than 3 miles from home. Speed limit was 30 and I was only doing 28 mph. Cop pulled out and followed us, pulling me over after folllowing me 2 blocks. It was bicold out that my driver's window was frozen and I couldn't open it. I knew he was not stopping me for a violation, as I was not speeding, violated no laws, and have a a license for 38 years with no violations.

I immediately pulled over, when he lit up his lights, he walked to my drivers door and was perturbed that my window wouldn't come down, well, duh, it's subzero outside and frozen. He asked me if I owned the 2006 suv, where I was going, who I was, etc. ??? Asked for my license, but balked when I asked him why he was stopping me. Finally after asking him again, he said he ''thought'' I didn't have a ''front'' license plate! Exuse me? Yes I did.

There was, of course, nothing he could cite me for, as we were both belted in our seats, everything on the vehicle was working, I had all my papers, license, registration, insurance, etc. He was looking into the rear of my suv; is this the norm today to pull people over for no reason?


Asked on 2/22/08, 3:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Zuganelis Zuganelis & Zuganelis, Attorneys at Law, P.C.

Re: being stopped for no reason what-so-ever

This seems to happen everyday in certain areas or neighborhoods. The police are being pressured to prevent crime so some shortcut methods, and sometimes violate constitutional rights. Of course, they will deny it in court and have a "reason" for the intrusion. Since they are the "good guys" everyone, including judges, believes them and not the accused. After all, the accused has a reason to lie---to get out of trouble. I've often wondered how these cops sleep at night knowing they are liars.

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Answered on 2/23/08, 9:51 am


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