civil rights when dealing with police?

i was thinking about how so many cannabis arrests take place in motor vehicles, and there is so often some violation of the person's civil rights, whether an illegal search, or not informing the person they are not required to submit to the search, profiling, etc.

does anyone know if it's specifically within your legal rights to record your conversation when you're pulled over? i feel like so many people would be able to form a good defense if they had that available to them. and im sure cops would suddenly reconsider their actions if they knew they were going on record, and not just think they could blantally violate your constitutional rights just becuase you're a kid in a phish shirt.

 

I don't know about recording the ordeal, but the police do not have to inform you of your right not to consent to a search.

 

Recording a verbal conversation is legal. Recording a phone call is another matter. You do not need to inform the officer (or even your passengers) that you are recording.

 

so when are they not allowed to search you? only when they don't have a just cause, or what?

 

they can only search you if they have a warrant or if they have probable cause, to the best of my knowledge.

 

They can search you whenever they want. Interfearing with a police search (even an illegal search) is a serious crime. Seach and seziure laws may help you in court, but on the street the cop can do pretty much what they want.

 

that's pretty lame.

 

This is NOT true.

Watch this: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8520847761350501823

 

Cloverleaf where did you get that sig?

 

thanks for that, that was pretty helpful.
pretty long, and bad image quality...but helpful nonetheless.

 

Sorry, my system is old enough that I can't see the video.

My point is that from, a practical point of view, the man with the gun, the nightstick and training, the man with the radio and lots of armed friends does what he wants to. After that is done, the lawers argue with each other about what should have happened. It is wiser to wait until the confrontation reaches the non-physical stage.

P.S."I don't want to answer any questions until I talk with a lawer" and "I do not give concent to a search" are good phrases to know and use on the street. They will help your lawer later.