Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Getting Pulled over for no reason

I got pulled over for no reason and I found out I had been driving on a suspended license. I had no idea about this I guess it was suspended because I forgot to pay a $38 traffic citation. I also recently got my wallet stolen in Phoenix, AZ and I was on my way to deposit my paycheck and go get my license. But after I got pulled over I immediately drove home. Doesn't a police officer have to have probable cause to pull you over? Can I get this dismissed since I wasn't speeding or breaking the law and the cop never offered a reason for pulling me over?


Asked on 2/21/07, 7:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Getting Pulled over for no reason

In Washington State a cop has no requirement to pull you over other than the fact that he or she can run a license plate check on your car and then a driver's license check on the registered owner. The supreme court ruled quite some time ago that license plates are on "public display" at all times and a police officer does not need any type of probable cause to run your plate because it is constantly in public view and the reason for that is to enable law enforcement to identify vehicles and drivers who may be violating the law. You probably have a DWLS 3rd degree charge, which is a criminal traffic charge (a misdemeanor), that carries a possible maximum penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail or both. A good lawyer will get you a much better deal with minimum consequences. I suggest that you get one ASAP and one who knows what he or she is doing in traffic court as I have been for 25 years. Good Luck!

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Answered on 2/24/07, 4:13 pm


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