Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

In Maryland does a police officer have the right due to probable cause to stop and search and individula simply for being in what is considered a high crime area, with no other reason for the stop? Can you refer me to the md. law or statute that would define what is a legal search and probable cause


Asked on 4/12/12, 6:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

There is no statute or law that defines legal search and probable cause. Probable cause is a flexible concept of whether there is reason to believe that a crime has been or is being committed and that the person stopped might have done it or the place to be searched might have evidence. It is determined on a case by case basis. In order to stop a person or search, the police must have probable cause.

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Answered on 4/13/12, 5:41 am


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