Search & Seizure

The Legality and Purpose of Police Checkpoints It might be an inconvenience, but many of us are accustomed to the occasional police checkpoint stop. We might assume the purpose of these stops is purely to catch drivers operating their motor…

Many people carry a gun in their car, whether it is under the seat, in the glove box, or on their person. The laws regarding carrying firearms in a motor vehicle in North Carolina are specific and must be followed…

The Smell of Marijuana and Probable Cause in North Carolina It has been long established in North Carolina that the smell of marijuana alone gives arresting officers probable cause to search automobiles for marijuana. Important to note, probable cause is…

Fourth Amendment Protections Against Warrantless Searches In the United States, the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, there may be circumstances when law enforcement officers conduct searches without obtaining a warrant, raising concerns…