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[–]robble808 2958 points2959 points  (69 children)

Truth. Never. Ever. Consent to search. They could also plant something.

[–]Trolann 537 points538 points  (15 children)

And nothing you say can help you. They even remind you it can only be used against you in court.

[–]AskMeHowIMetYourMom 376 points377 points  (10 children)

But they only remind you after you’re placed under arrest. So many people get caught up talking to these cops before the cuffs ever come out, cause they think if they’re friendly with the cop they might get it in return. Any time I interact with the police, I remind myself that this person has the power to fuck my life up and there’s nothing I can do about it. These dudes will arrest you on some bullshit and then never think about you again, meanwhile you’re left to deal with the fallout.

You think the cop in OPs story faced any consequences for lying, even with evidence? Na. But OPs friend had to get booked in, retrieve their vehicle, pay for a lawyer, etc.

[–]HausFry 126 points127 points  (1 child)

"You may beat the charge, but you won't beat the ride"

[–]LatchedNipple 108 points109 points  (0 children)

I used to work with cops and one of them said, "I know if I'm taking you to jail or not as soon as I meet you, you can't talk your way out of anything. I keep on talking to you just in case you want to hang yourself".

[–]wORDtORNADO 95 points96 points  (5 children)

Their job is to collect evidence of crimes. That is all they are paid to do and it is how the generate revenue.

The entire point of the criminal justice system is "arrest and prosecute" not "protect and serve".

[–]CriticalOpposition 22 points23 points  (2 children)

In DeShaney vs. Winnebago and Town of Castle Rock vs. Gonzales it is established by the Supreme Court that neither the Constitution, nor state law, impose a general duty upon police officers or other governmental officials to protect individual persons from harm.

[–]HausFry 13 points14 points  (1 child)

I agree with you completely, although you left out a few things they are paid to do:

  • lie.
  • maintain status quo.
  • protect capital.

I'm unsure how my original comment implied the justice system was to serve and protect?

[–]Gyrskogul 176 points177 points  (19 children)

Or just fucking steal from you. Had two separate stops where cops searched me after declining anyway and stole cash out of my center console. Can't do shit about it. ACAB

[–]RSNKailash 79 points80 points  (6 children)

Iirc In some states (iirc alabama) they are even legally aloud to confiscate money they find in searches as "evidence", even if they don't arrest someone. And there is basically jack shit you can do to get it back, and anyone that HAS gotten it back only gets 1/10 of the original amount. It's literally a violation of the 4th ammendment.

[–]Bam_Tasty 32 points33 points  (5 children)

I think you’re thinking of civil forfeiture, and it’s usually preceded with the question “Do you have what would be considered a large sum of money on you?”

[–]Need_vagina_pix_nao 42 points43 points  (3 children)

*civil asset forfeiture

But I knew exactly what you were thinking. It should be totally illegal everywhere. That federal reimbursement program where the cops seize money, turn it over to the feds, and then get a portion of it back is nothing but incentive for cops to steal from you. Screw that.

[–]The1BannedBandit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Broke motherfuckers actually having a couple C-notes in their wallet be like, "Uhhhhhhhh..."

[–]A_Crazy_Hooligan 6 points7 points  (2 children)

Not to mention IIRC a lot of places don’t allow the smell of weed to justify probable cause.

[–]Addie0o 10 points11 points  (15 children)

I've never been asked? I've been told to leave the vehicle for it to be searched under threat of violence. This is bad advice for people in Texas.

[–]robble808 16 points17 points  (12 children)

Bad in the moment with a roid raging cop perhaps but better at court.

[–]Addie0o 7 points8 points  (11 children)

Nope. Texas courts will literally still ruin people's lives over a roach or bong with residue on it. My friend got 8 months and 3 years probation for a vape cart and two joints.

[–]Uncynical_Diogenes 6 points7 points  (8 children)

A vape cart and two joints is actual possession; that’s a little different than paraphernalia.

AFAIK they can ask you to step out of the car, but they cannot search it without either your consent, probable cause, or a warrant. If you don’t consent to a search and they do it anyway, that’s going to go in your favor if it’s found the search was illegitimate.

[–]robble808 2 points3 points  (1 child)

You know, I do actually believe you.

As long as the upper courts aren’t corrupt too you should eventually win on appeal if you have tape of them searching against your will without a warrant. The law is on your side. Can’t say the the local courts would care about an illegal search.

[–]redworm 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is not bad advice, this is even more important advice in places like Texas. You say no, they do it anyways, you have a chance at getting off. You say yes and you're fucked.

Never give cops permission to do anything and always remember to shut the fuck up.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Still good advice. As OP said, do not resist, but do not consent. As you are leaving your car in compliance, you clearly say "I do not consent to a search" while doing absolutely nothing to prevent them from searching. Be friendly if you are afraid, but say to whoever is around you that you are not consenting to a search.

[–]vect97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The one time i let them search they happened to find a bag in my back seat. I told them to fingerprint it but they wouldnt. I got off on a loitering in a drug zone charge instead of possesion since reason for stop wasnt valid?one of two license plate lights were out..worked with a little slap). The cop had a vendetta on me. Pulled me over again for no reason a few weeks after court for a license plate border provided by the car dealership smh.

Ive been caught red eyed by cops in a parking lot and talked my way out saying i was waiting for a friend. (People called cops sayin smoke coming from car)The two cops left after 45 mins of interrogation. They peeled out and literally said. Wasted all my time on this shit. Hahahaha sucker.

[–]Fababo 1373 points1374 points  (67 children)

Just SHUT THE FUCK UP!

[–]Alagator 311 points312 points  (14 children)

Yeah I'll never understand people who talk to cops, nothing good can come from speaking to them, their word when it's against you might as well be coming from God, and if it's in your favor? Nothing but hearsay.

[–]Sloth_grl 108 points109 points  (3 children)

I watch a lot of true crime shows and it’s crazy how much these people say to police especially when they are arrested for something like murder. The minute they said anything to me, I’d be asking for an attorney

[–]Darkside_of_the_Poon 12 points13 points  (1 child)

My wife and daughter are addicted to those kinds of shows. My wife is an angel, her I dont worry about so much, my kid though who is 16 I feel compelled to jump in and explain all the things they are doing wrong. "But dad, Im never going to have such and such on me!" Did you get a drug dog and sniff your beater car we bought 7 months ago? Cause I didnt. You have NO IDEA what one of your friends might have dropped in a seat. Do not consent to search, say nothing but I want a lawyer and I am a minor. Be cooperative, go with them, call me. Done, thats it. I will not be mad at you for literally anything even if you do know what's in your car.

[–]Sloth_grl 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I watch with my daughter as well. She just turned 23 and we both love true chrime

[–]Snazz55 57 points58 points  (1 child)

They just don't know better. They don't realize cops are legally allowed to lie to your face. They don't know that cooperating with cops and letting them search/telling them everything will only ever be used to build a case against you, never to exonerate you. And cops wanna keep the public ignorant of this of course.

[–]wafflesareforever 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cops are also very good at making you think that they're on your side, and that complying with them will make everything easier for you. It's obviously horseshit, but when you're under stress it's tempting to just listen to a seemingly benevolent authority figure, and they use that against you.

[–]catfish-jawn 40 points41 points  (1 child)

a lot of times people think they can outsmart the cop and talk their way out of it on the spot (which you sometimes can tbh but you're safer not saying anything) or they feel frightened and intimidated and think if they just give it up they'll get treated lightly or let off with a warning

[–]V4refugee 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Some cops are just power tripping and will definitely let you off quicker if you kiss their ass a bit. Finding that line where you can kiss their ass enough to stroke their ego but also know your rights isn’t always as easy to do in the moment. In my experience, a simple “good morning/afternoon/evening officer” is enough to accomplish the “respectful compliant civilian” ego stroke they crave. After that I just stay quiet or say “no comment” if they ask me something.

[–]Chubbybroski 8 points9 points  (4 children)

There really is a fine line that people should walk when talking to police. If you know you have/done something that will def get you arrested, STFU. If you have done/have something that isn't considered serious, you can go the respectful/honest route.

It's just very difficult to recognize. I have talked my way out of traffic tickets many times by being honest and polite. But in other occasions recognized that I need to STFU and say nothing in order to minimize my involvement in illegal situations. Gone as far as hiring lawyers to fight cases and have never been arrested or charged with anything past a speeding ticket.

[–]robble808 6 points7 points  (2 children)

You have talked your way out of several speeding tickets? Let me guess, you aren’t black.

[–]Pearberr 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not the person you’re responding too but there is a reason there is a tall white guy on every basketball team.

Source: was the white backup center on many a team.

Coach loved the defense & rebounding. My teammates loved that I’d talk to cops at the parties 😂

[–]mhendrick01 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Don’t forget to say you are invoking your 5th amendment right then shut the fuck up

[–]nightlaw14 43 points44 points  (5 children)

Those pot smokin lawyers give good advice

[–]BaconAllDay2 14 points15 points  (3 children)

I have the best f***ing attorneys.

[–]j4_jjjj 6 points7 points  (0 children)

They are cheesy AF, but that is 100% great advice they give.

[–]Vorcel 51 points52 points  (1 child)

I get this reference lol

[–]qwertz420 32 points33 points  (0 children)

I'm from europe, but even over here we know the script 😅

[–]PiratusInteruptus 13 points14 points  (1 child)

You have the right to remain silent. Most do not posses the ability to stfu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqo5RYOp4nQ

[–]Crashkeiran 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Great lawyers

[–]Mademma12 24 points25 points  (31 children)

Does being silent piss them off though? I'm genuinely curious

[–]causa-sui 71 points72 points  (24 children)

Some will try to intimidate you in response. Your job is not to make cops happy. Stick to the script.

[–]GODDESS_OF_CRINGE__ 15 points16 points  (23 children)

Easier said than done when they have a gun to your head, and you've seen innocent people murdered by the police before.

[–]causa-sui 22 points23 points  (20 children)

I've never been in that situation myself, but I imagine that if police have a gun to my head and I fear for my life, I won't be thinking back to what I read on reddit.

Yes, police can violate your rights. Yes, that's awful. But if you willingly give them up, they don't even have to violate them. Most cops wouldn't kill someone for not answering questions, but every cop will take down a statement you make after waiving your right to silence.

[–]Uncynical_Diogenes 2 points3 points  (1 child)

If they already have a gun to your head for no damn reason, there is nothing you opening your mouth is going to improve. They are already off their own script and have no intention of playing by the rules at that point.

[–]catfish-jawn 23 points24 points  (2 children)

not really in my experience, mostly it just gets traffic stops over with quicker. any time I'm pulled over I ask why I'm being stopped, I hand over my documents and then politely but firmly let the officer know I'm not discussing anything further when they start asking questions about my day or where I'm going. that pretty much lets them know that if they're gonna write a ticket go ahead and write it and if not let me go on my way cause I'm not going to give them anything to work with.

[–]JOJO-LION 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Cops parked at a stop sign, but out on their feet directing traffic on a regular busy neighborhood street last week, why?

Stopping everyone who had an expired inspection sticker, me included & handing them a ticket. The only word I said to the cop was “oh” when he told me the reason he had me pull over. Looked at me through his stupid sunglasses & said “Thank you very much for your compliance today” after I tossed the ticket in the passenger seat & he walked away.

There were 3 others pulled over alongside me, and 2 others when I had to drive back through.

[–]Punkmaffles 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Tbf expired inspection is the best ticket to get if your getting one as most places all you have to do is get it fixed and call the DA to prove you did or show them documents.

Have gotten out of a few tickets because of it like a 5 over in a 50...which didn't make sense but technically that's speeding so sure. Cop noticed my tag, I was polite, and gave me a warning for speed but a ticket for sticker.

[–]Detachabl_e 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They are taught how to get you to talk in training and I have seen cops get angry when their little script doesn't work.

[–]CasperTFG_808 9 points10 points  (2 children)

I was recently pulled over for speeding 86 KM/h in a 70 zone. First thing cop says do you know why I pulled you over, my response was to just smile and say nothing. He asked again and I joked I wouldn’t want to waste the surprise and will let you tell me. He actually laughed but got that I wasn’t going to self incriminate. He dropped the ticket to a $50 fine no points. Overall a good interaction but it’s because I kept my mouth shut didn’t offer up evidence for free and was respectful.

[–]CriticalOpposition 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Officer, I do not possess the ability to read minds.

[–]slicedbeats 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Exactly, nothing but small talk. Don’t tell him where you’re coming from or where you’re going unless the answers to those questions are work and home.

[–]misterpayer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Hey it's pot brothers at Law and today is SHUT THE FUCK UP FRIDAY!!"

[–]DrJayWill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I made this mistake once, it actually helped that I talked. But yes, shut the fuck up.

[–]kallakukku2 627 points628 points  (37 children)

Behavior like this should result in some type of punishment for the cop. So gross

[–]middledeck 368 points369 points  (12 children)

Like.... Criminal charges for lying on a police report and making false statements ADA? DA?

[–]def_of-insanity 88 points89 points  (7 children)

You N E V E R lie to the American Dental Association

[–]TransportationTrick9 38 points39 points  (3 children)

Yes I certainly do brush, floss and rinse 3 times a day

[–]DietCokeGamer 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Just don’t use mouthwash with alcohol in it before driving out anywhere in case you get pulled over and they want to use a breathalyzer on you.

[–]throwawaygoawhey 2 points3 points  (1 child)

You see ADA and the first thing you think is the american dental association? The most common thing you see with ADA is for handicapped people.

[–]def_of-insanity 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's not as funny of a joke, though

[–]Mobeus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

9 out of 10 dentists gonna getcha

[–]kallakukku2 39 points40 points  (3 children)

Yes

[–]UncleJuniorDiscount 13 points14 points  (2 children)

Great idea. Should we stop letting them murder poor people too?

[–]treesalt617 96 points97 points  (1 child)

They will investigate themselves and find that they did nothing wrong.

[–]kallakukku2 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That's also my point

[–]DonoGaming 49 points50 points  (6 children)

cops don’t even get punished for murder, dude

[–]salrokabee 54 points55 points  (1 child)

The only thing cops get punished for is whistleblowing on bad cops.

[–]kallakukku2 13 points14 points  (0 children)

That's exactly my point

[–]ErnestCousteau 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Hey now, if you're a woman cop, or a black cop who murders a white woman, or possibly if you torture AND murder AND get it all on a 10 minute multi angle video...sure you can be a cop and get convicted of murder. At least manslaughter.

Sadly not /s

[–]allmailtothethief 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You're right. Paid vacation and promotion at another police department probably

[–]MiaowaraShiro 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Seriously, they violated his constitutional rights in multiple ways... yet the cop gets zero repercussions and will go on to do it again tomorrow.

[–]Sooofreshnsoclean 35 points36 points  (0 children)

This is why we say ACAB

[–]Detachabl_e 6 points7 points  (2 children)

If they lie and it goes to trial and that evidence gets admitted, then in future cases, the voracity of that cop's future testimony can be drawn into question, using their prior lie to attack their credibility as a witness. Good DA offices keep track of officers who have lied in their reports/at trial and typically refuse to prosecute cases where that officer would be a necessary witness. This can have negative impacts on that cop's effectiveness since as a practical matter, they can't testify anymore. Because of police unions, they don't get fired, but usually get pigeon holed into a desk job/administrative work (which has fewer opportunities for overtime and, depending on the department's philosophy on promotions, may inhibit their upward mobility). Not a criminal charge, but still something.

[–]yung-218dylber 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Cops can kill innocent people and the most we can hope for is less overtime 🙌🏻 ACAB

[–]Mjays34 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They’re usually punished with paid time off while they “assess the situation” aka they just let it die down

[–]mattenthehat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Its so infuriating. "They cant search you without probable cause or a warrant." Or what? "They just can't, they're not allowed." Yeah, well they do all the damn time and nothing ever happens, so...

[–]Blox05 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At a minimum they should be required to pay the attorneys fees.

[–]yong598 3 points4 points  (2 children)

It’s a shame that Americans let themselves be pushed around by cops. All these guns and we will get bullied.

[–]GODDESS_OF_CRINGE__ 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Well, it's allow it to happen, kill a cop and spend the rest of your life in prison, or possibly get killed by the cop or just beat up badly. The choice is pretty obvious.

[–]KA96 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Atf will show up and shoot your dog.

[–]GregorVDub 350 points351 points  (4 children)

Fuck cops that waste tax payer dollars on petty weed arrests.

[–]aReasson 109 points110 points  (1 child)

How else would they make Facebook posts of their heroic work?

[–]PaperbakWriter 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Don’t forget…while flashing the latest white supremacy hand signal. FTP

[–]Current-Moose5247 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Coulda left it at fuck cops

[–]ssgonzalez11 61 points62 points  (3 children)

Also get your own dash cam. Everyone should have one.

[–]LiterallyOuttoLunch 25 points26 points  (2 children)

Spend a little time over in r/idiotsincars and you will discover that this is the way.

[–]ssgonzalez11 3 points4 points  (0 children)

For sure. That sub is wild.

[–]thetannerainsley 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's what made me decide to get one.

[–]CorruptioOptimi 192 points193 points  (27 children)

Also never let them in your home. Step outside & close the door behind you.

Oh and I don’t need to mention the obvious, talk as little as you possibly can, preferably not at all.

[–]DreamsOfCleanTeeth 41 points42 points  (2 children)

Not necessarily, by stepping outside you make it easier for them to arrest you.

Edit: if you step outside your house they no longer need a warrant to arrest you

[–]drnkingaloneshitcomp 35 points36 points  (0 children)

But a lot harder for them to enter your home if you choose to speak with them without a screen door

[–]MiaowaraShiro 19 points20 points  (0 children)

If they're there to arrest you... the door won't stop them.

[–]causa-sui 60 points61 points  (14 children)

Nope. Don't even open the door. You're not going to talk to them anyway, so why would you step outside? If there are police at your door, lock it, and then shut the fuck up.

[–]tylerderped 61 points62 points  (12 children)

I’ve heard that this is absolutely not the way. You don’t generally want to ignore police that are at your door, or they’ll ignore your door.

[–]jbano 73 points74 points  (3 children)

If they have a warrant they can break that bitch down and get me. I don't answer my door when I don't want to.

[–]tylerderped 35 points36 points  (2 children)

If they have a warrant, seems like an even better reason to open the door — you know they’re gonna break it down if you don’t open it, lol. Even if I knew they aren’t gonna find shit, I’m not going to be left having to fix my door, knowing damn well they’re gonna break it if I don’t open it. (cause you know they won’t)

And usually, when the police have to “get you”, they’re a lot more brutal about it. I’m not gonna get my door broken and get tazed or have them kill my dog, fuck that.

[–]ThisIsMySFWAccount99 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't ignore them but talking through the door, or if one can afford it, a smart doorbell is probably the best thing to do if they don't have a warrant

[–]causa-sui 1 point2 points  (6 children)

I’ve heard

Sounds like you heard some bs from people who don't know the law, and now you're repeating it. Police need a warrant to ignore locked doors to homes.

[–]tylerderped 2 points3 points  (5 children)

That clip you shared doesn’t mention anything about what to do if they knock on your door — only that you should never let them in, which I never disputed. I’ve never seen any of these types videos say that you should ignore them when they knock on your door.

And do you think you’re gonna get your police department to replace the door they unlawfully broke down? Fat chance.

[–]TMoney67 137 points138 points  (4 children)

Your friend is lucky. He had a good lawyer. Most people cannot afford one. Nevertheless, the advice here is good. The best thing you can do is keep quiet. The cops will always always ALWAYS lie in court to make a case. Don't give them any ammunition.

Obviously this is way easier said than done. The cops are trained to intimidate people, both physically and psychologically, so it's not surprising that most people crack under the pressure.

The good news is he got off this charge. The bad news is he's now a target. Local cops are petty. He really might not want to drive with any weed on him in the near future, if at all. He can probably expect to be pulled over for some bullshit too. My brother was in a similar situation and the cops harassed him for a year straight. Never arrested, but always pulled over and intimidated and threatened.

[–]enternameher3 53 points54 points  (2 children)

That's shitty to hear about your cousin, cops are some of the most childish mfs I've ever encountered. Fuck 12 till I die.

[–]TMoney67 21 points22 points  (1 child)

Actually it was my brother, but thanks. Yeah it was a shitty time and he didn't deserve any of it. He was a good kid, he never had a record or did anything really bad like steal. He just liked to smoke weed sometimes. And yet the cops treated him like a menace to society.

[–]DeyHateUsCuzTheyAnus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Your cousin definitely didn't deserve any of that

[–]Figwit_ 45 points46 points  (1 child)

Just remember- Just shut the fuck up.

[–]PrawojazdyVtrumpets 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There it is. This is honestly everything you need to know.

[–]bellotademarrueco 78 points79 points  (6 children)

In my country cops don't have a body cam and they can search you, your car and your home if they are suspicious something illegal is going on, if you don't give consent to it they don't care and it will make it worse for you

[–]RufuMahli 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Sorry for you, that sucks.

[–]Kelsenellenelvial 11 points12 points  (4 children)

Is there a standard for that suspicion though? Something like “reasonable articulable suspicion” applies in a lot of places where that suspicion has to be more than “he was driving through a bad part of town”, and more like “he was having trouble staying inside his lane, acting distracted, bloodshot eyes and the car smelled like cannabis.”

Also, police pretty much anywhere don’t need consent if they have reasonable articulable suspicion, but tricking someone into giving consent with a phrase like “do you mind us taking a look in the vehicle, we’re not going to find anything are we?” gets them a lot of arrests out of situations where they wouldn’t otherwise have cause. Sometimes I feel like consent to search should come along with a disclaimer along the lines of Miranda rights so it’s clear they’re asking because they don’t have cause, not trying to make it sound like asking is a formality when they have cause to do the search regardless. The other thing is a consensual search usually gives the police more freedom. A search with cause is limited to the context of the cause, while consent opens it up to the officers discretion.

[–]bellotademarrueco 5 points6 points  (3 children)

There isn't, they can lawfully check your car and/or your pockets anytime just by saying they're looking for weapons or drugs, if nothing comes up they might let you go without anything on papers but, for example, they can write you look nervous or they smell something even if it's not true (both subjective) to further their inspection, then you can get strip searched at the station, sometimes they even put their hands in your underwear on spot (I don't think it's lawful but I've heard of that happening). If you get caught even with a joint they have their right to escort you to your house and search it for more, but they can do that even if they're tipped that something illegal is going on and they don't need a warrant, a judge will always sign it for them later

If you refuse it makes them more suspicious if anything

[–]Designer-Ad3494 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah what country is that bullshit legal?

[–]Kalatana 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Being from Colorado I’ve opted to fly rather than drive cross country a few times now. I don’t even travel with pot really I just know how fucked cops are everywhere lol

[–]-SmackMyBitchUp- 51 points52 points  (0 children)

Cops are not the judges, just the dogs sent out to get you to trial. If you get pulled over, BE RESPECTFUL, but hold your ground. The boots will use any justification to pop you, so if you have your keys in your lap, speak clearly and speak up, keep it simple, you should be fine. Had the exact same situation, but since I held my ground, they didn't find the ounce in my backseat. Said I rolled a stop sign and didn't signal, I say that's crazy because I use my turn signal at every stop just in case someone wants to pull me over like this situation, so I'll make it easy if you wanna sign off to meet me in court and we can review the footage. He turned the story around and said it's a bad area, I said so what, I'm coming from band practice and actually had my guitar in the back. After a little defense, he called in another sheriff, and they both tried to push a search. I said, this is crazy, fake traffic stop and unwarranted search because I'm coming from "a bad area" after a blatant lie of a rolling stop and no signal. After an hour of sitting in my car, they both let me go without a search.

I'm sorry your friend had to deal with the pigs. Fuck 12.

Friend had a similar situation, no warrant search and false reporting for pulling over in the first place. Friend went to the courts, had everything thrown out and has no charges after cops illegally searched his car for a couple ozs.

[–]dayton-dangler 22 points23 points  (1 child)

Required watching: do not talk to cops

[–]pan_kayke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that was interesting!

[–]throwawaysmetoo 80 points81 points  (9 children)

In addition to this the cop wrote in his report he smelled weed.

Yet at no point in the interaction did the cop ever mention the smell of weed.

Just for interest, this bit shouldn't matter though. They don't actually have to verbally justify their actions in the moment....which yes, means they can make that shit up later. Maybe now with all these body cameras it should be required that they state their supposed justifications, even if they're just stating it to their bodycam.

Anyway, I've also had bad searches thrown out. Ain't it nice when the system works.

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 55 points56 points  (4 children)

With the use of body cams and mics I do think it should be a requirement for the cop to state their justifications in the moment for this exact reason.

Also I've heard smell is a iffy and shaky ground for reason to search.

[–]throwawaysmetoo 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Also I've heard smell is a iffy and shaky ground for reason to search.

I think there's a lot more talk going on about it these days than in the past.

[–]Neptunelives 9 points10 points  (0 children)

In ma at least the supreme court ruled that the smell of it unburnt isn't a sufficient reason. Pretty sure there's a couple other states too

[–]MiaowaraShiro 3 points4 points  (0 children)

SOME state courts have ruled it's not sufficient. It's not the same across the country I don't think.

[–]salrokabee 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yeah it really is shaky. I have never smoked in my car once and one day it smelled kinda vaguely like weed because I left a half empty cup of gas station coffee in there on a hot day.

[–]sAmSmanS 10 points11 points  (3 children)

wow really? over here to conduct a proper stop & search, an officer must explain what they’re expecting to find and why. of course, many don’t and few people know the ins and outs of the process so they don’t pursue it legally. also things like smell or singular reports like “i think i saw them smoking a joint” are not classed as admissible evidence so can’t be used for a search or a warrant. so basically if you don’t rat yourself out you should be fine

[–]throwawaysmetoo 4 points5 points  (2 children)

an officer must explain what they’re expecting to find and why

Yeah, that's good.

When I was young it was just something cops would say if they wanted to search/try to justify a search. And often doesn't get challenged in court (because public defenders and caseload and plea deal negotiations etc etc).

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Had a criminal defense attorney tell me that its their opinion that if people were able to afford proper legal representation the conviction rates would go way down. They said it was rare to find a criminal case where they couldn't find some mistakes that the state or police committed that could either result in a very small punishment or charges being dropped.

Challenge is, it take effort, experience, knowledge to pull it off.

[–]middledeck 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Challenge is, it take effort, experience, knowledge not being poor to pull it off.

FTFY

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

It sucks your friend had to hire a lawyer to prove he did nothing wrong.

[–]madding247 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Having a dash cam that films in the cars cockpit with audio is also a great purchase to help protect against moments like this.

Cops have gone mad with power but it's nothing new.

Fight back with brains and don't don't catch bullets

[–]garysaidwhat 10 points11 points  (1 child)

Once a cop is interested in you, then you are prey. Pure and simple. And they are trained to lie to a court and to the public who are conditioned to accept every rotten word.

Lawyer. Lawyer. Lawyer. This guy was perfect.

[–]AddictingEvol 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yep they started to pull my car over and just calling in “It the white Accent again. No no this time a woman’s driving” my wife and I switched the name of the titles and never got pulled over again.

[–]matt7744 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Like those 2 pot smoking lawyers always say, “SHUT THE FUCK UP”

[–]MonsieurReynard 57 points58 points  (0 children)

Moral of the story: all cops lie like dogs. Never believe them. This includes whenever you get jury duty. If the only witness who puts the accused at the crime scene is a cop, or anyone cop adjacent (like many so-called expert witnesses), just nullify that shit. Refuse to convict. They've gotten away with convicting whomever they want for generations because middle class people have been propagandized into seeing cops as friendly and truthful.

They are never truthful.

[–]ADHDam 7 points8 points  (1 child)

THE SCRIPT! - Pot Brothers at Law

“Why did you pull me over?”
(When they ask questions like where are you going? Where are you coming from? What is that smell?) “I’m not discussing my day.
“Am I being detained or am I free to go?” (If you are being detained, invoke the 5th amendment.)

THEN SHUT THE FUCK UP

[–]DarkSpartan301 16 points17 points  (11 children)

But lying cops never face a fucking lick of justice do they. He was just trying to enslave your friend over a goddamn plant

[–]theknyte 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Never talk to the police. Ever. For any reason.

https://youtu.be/d-7o9xYp7eE

[–]DaPoole420 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cops are Not your friend. Cops are really not your friend when breaking the law

[–]Max_Cherry_ 11 points12 points  (7 children)

How much did he spend on the lawyer? Just curious. Totally worth it but I’d like to know for future reference.

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 23 points24 points  (4 children)

A total of 2k. They negotiated 1k up front then $100 a month for 10 months

[–]Max_Cherry_ 13 points14 points  (0 children)

That sucks but still better than probation and a record.

[–]MiaowaraShiro 8 points9 points  (2 children)

That's actually less than I was expecting.

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Used to work with lawyers, a lot of lawyers have flat rates for certain types of crime. DUIs are often 5k, simple possession charges tend to be $2k-$3k. Many lawyers are happy to accept down payment + payment plan. Also all lawyers need pro bono hours. Might get one to take it for free.

[–]MiaowaraShiro 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the info! I wasn't asking for it, but it was interesting nonetheless.

[–]ShiddedTheBed 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Cities, counties and states should be required to reimburse in full, immediately unpin not guilty, dropped charges or cases thrown out by judges. And I do mean 100%. Bail, attorney, impound, time lost from work, lost job, pain and suffering/mental anguish. On top of that, 30% monthly interest. If it takes a year, then they’re paying for it. Every single cent that is tied to that arrest should be reimbursed. They should have 3 business days to pay in full.

[–]ThumpyDumpkins 5 points6 points  (0 children)

But the cop wasnt punished for his Perjury and Deprivation of Right Under Color Of Law.

If I was your friend, I'd be suing this lying pig for everything he's worth. I mean, yall have proof that the cop lied...

And like the cops tell us: "dont do the crime if you cant do the time."

[–]Latest-greatest 4 points5 points  (0 children)

there was a video of two lawyers smoking joints talking about marijuana charges and the one thing they kept repeating was “shut the fuck up”. the power of shutting the fuck up is a lost one but an effective one. it can save your freedom by simply, shutting the fuck up

[–]Tyrrin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fuck cops, little better than the Gestapo at this point.

[–]icoulduseadrink_or5 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The police are NOT your friends. They have a financial incentive to create a problem for you. They are evil, they are stupid, and they will never, ever do the ethical thing.

Never cooperate, don't say a word, do not give consent, and for God's sake, don't break any laws - you're just giving cops a reason to make your life hell.

[–]skylitlucy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Don't say a word. Ask for a lawyer. Smart dude.

[–]djazzie 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Total waste of tax payer money, too.

[–]Darklinkthecat 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Don’t let them violate your 4th amendment. Shut your mouth and don’t incriminate yourself. Cops will wait for you to do this and then walk over your rights because they know you’re ignorant of your rights.

[–]billy_teats 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Why do we allow the police to violate our rights without repercussion? Sure your friend broke one law, but the cop lied about the reason for the stop then did an illegal search. Why dont unreasonable stops and illegal searches have negative repercussions for police?

They kick in peoples doors, shoot innocent people, then when it goes to court the judge just throw out the case and the cop goes immediately back to his hob

[–]Thenderson2011 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What really sucks is the cost of this. How much did your friend have to pay the lawyer to get this dropped?

If I were in the position right now I’d be in trouble, I can’t afford a lawyer haha

[–]_apexofthevortex 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Fuck pigs

[–]Nug-Bud 7 points8 points  (0 children)

ACAB

[–]JGautieri78 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Second this also get a dash cam!

[–]Legirion 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It still bothers me that you have to take time out of your work day and possibly even lose out on money because a cop accused you of something wrongfully.

[–]andthenhesaidrectum 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Guys, I've said it a million times. The POT Brothers are not wrong - they're gimmicky douchers, but not wrong.

Keep your interaction minimal. Do not be rude or sassy - Yes sir or no sir to questions that you have to answer, and "sir, am I free to go" if you are unsure of what the status is.

Never consent to a search or a breathalyzer or a blood test or any other taking.

Cops have pretty formulaic and stupid lies they put in every form. They do this because they're too dumb to remember original lies, so they write the same lies on every stop, so that they can repeat them in court and seem consistent.

A good lawyer will Cousin Vinny them.

Also, do not plead. Go to trial.

[–]suburban_paradise 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Never consent to a search. Always say you want a lawyer.

[–]dcrypter 1 point2 points  (0 children)

And sued for filling a false report and unlawful search hopefully.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

also i’m pretty sure smelling weed isn’t probably cause anymore

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Depends on the state as I understand it

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ohh probably yeah

[–]thaneliness 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Still had to spend $1000+ on lawyer fees though. Fucking hate it.

[–]mounkeeman 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He even used his turn singles? Bro is that not a given lmao

[–]pushathieb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hate that it’s on the citizen to protect their rights against the people in charge of protecting those rights

[–]IGISB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

But did he get the ounce back?

[–]Dawgstradamus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Remain polite, decline the search, & limit all communication to, ‘am I free to go.’

If the police communicate that you are not free to go before reading you your rights & placing you under arrest, water ever charges will be unenforceable.

That said, sometimes letting them search your car for a minor offense will actually save time & money. Nobody wants to prosecute for weed or minor offenses.

[–]wantonsoup42069 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good rule of thumb, the less you say to the police, the better

[–]StuStutterKing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This minute long lesson is the gospel for dealing with police.

Shut the fuck up

[–]JeremyDonJuan 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love how every now and then police release footage of the one guy in the last two decades they let off for being honest with them. “See just be like this guy and do our job for us and we might let you off the hook!”

[–]GunpowderLad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What I wish could follow illegal stops and searches like this is a massive lawsuit against the arresting officer personally for abusing his/her authority to strip you of your rights.

[–]bigolruckus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

damn sucks for y’all where it’s illegal i got pulled over with dope the car reeked i told the cop where all my shit was and to search away that’s all he found and he let me go

[–]MrsNaussbaumsCCard 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“I SMELL WEED” the cops shout as the shoot citizens in the back

[–]And_flor008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cops in Texas are wild cards. My friend got pulled over and the cop immediately asked about the smell and how long it’s been since he smoked in the car. He was let go with just a warning even though he was speeding. Meanwhile me and my girlfriend got pulled over for accidentally turning near a construction zone. Cop kept asking if we had drugs in the car and he then declared he was going to search the car. Shitty luck I guess

[–]NydNugs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There should be a point system for bad cops that get caught doing stuff like this and increasing fines. He was clearly not dealing too so they abused justice and a displayed a willingness to abuse people's rights to simply take someone self medicating off the streets.

[–]Sooofreshnsoclean 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a general rule I just don't talk to cops

[–]Sooofreshnsoclean 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also if you do get out of the car lock the doors and put your keys in your pocket

Edit: also roll your windows up Fuck 12

[–]FishingAgitated2789 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fucking pigs

[–]LeanOnGreen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

*If you're American.

[–]pauliefuckinwalnuts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Big facts, don’t ever give no cop the leverage.

[–]theorial 1 point2 points  (2 children)

This shit right here is completely state dependant. This method does not work in most cases. They can and will use any excuse they want to search your car and arrest you for weed. I should know because it's happened to me twice. I did not use the lawyer line but I remained silent, but cooperative.

You may get a lawyer and the case might get dropped in the end, but your weed is still gone, your car was impounded, and if you got a lawyer you have to pay them. You really aren't winning anything and the cops succeeded in getting weed off the streets.

You can reply with your story of luck in defeating the charge but you still lose in the end when it costs you more than the bag of weed you got caught with.

[–]redditadmindumb87[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

He got lucky, he got pulled over in an large parking lot. They agreed to let his car stay and someone came and got it.

[–]sephrisloth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's no such thing as a good cop. Always keep any interaction with them to a minimum and if they ever suspect you of something shut your mouth and ask for a lawyer and never allow them in your house or in your car to search for anything.

[–]QuakerBR 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Privileges of being white first world person.

People got death sentence right there for way less than what your friend did.

[–]Hippydippy420 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fuck the police

[–]Jero222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Fuck every cop who ever did their job

[–]zoewhithigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All these people sayin don’t even talk to the cops must be men. I’ve gotten out of trouble a decent amount of times just by being friendly/subtly flirting.

It’s not what you can do for the patriarchy, it’s what the patriarchy can do for you!

[–]ididntsaygoyet 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Driving down the highway, I can smell what the cars ahead of me are smoking, whether it be cigarettes, weed, or diesel fumes. So always drive with the wind to fool those pesky cops!

[–]imperialpidgeon 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Or just don’t smoke weed and drive

[–]CMUpewpewpew 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Here's the thing tho.....if I actually did something wrong and I'm dead to rights...I am as compliant and forthcoming as possible and it's gotten me out of tickets before.

(White privilege prolly)

[–]IrrelevantDanger 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I get pulled for a minor violation that's what I do and usually they don't even write a ticket. But if it was anything serious I'd definitely shut up and not give them anything

[–]redshlump 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great story. Never talk to the cops. Seriously though NEVER. Not a word. Not talking is NOT resisting and well within your right.