Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

legality of invitee status?

I am questioning the legaility of a traffic/pedestrian stop by police. 1 vehicle parked in parking lot of gas station. Gas station often burglarized, but checked and secured. Vehicle fogged windows occupied by two. License plates don't match vehicle description. I am questioning the legality of approaching the vehicle to make contact with the two occupants. Also, the gas station was closed and the vehicle is parked a ways away from the station.


Asked on 11/09/08, 9:11 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: legality of invitee status?

An officer must have a reasonable, articulable suspicion of a particular criminal activity to stop a vehicle or seize a person. The answer to your question will depend on what particular suspicions the officer had. A generalized suspicion of indeterminate criminal activity is not enough.

For a FREE consultation call 612.240.8005 or visit online at criminal-law.tv.

Read more
Answered on 11/10/08, 2:12 pm
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: legality of invitee status?

I have had several cases with similar facts - some of which I won based upon the court agreeing with me that the seizure was illegal (baseless). These are quite fact specific. I would need to know every detail about all of the facts. Really, this means it would need to be a case I was handling, to be able to form an opinion. Even then, I've won cases I've thought would not be won, and vice versa.

FFI: http://www.liberty-lawyer.com

or call me.

Read more
Answered on 11/10/08, 5:24 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Minnesota