Probable Cause???

[brguitarist]

What is the name of your state?georgia.
My friend was driving down the road around midnight and was stopped for a busted reverse light. His car was searched and the cop found a dime bag. Was it probable cause for a search if his reverse light was out and he wasn't even going in reverse?

[Shay-Pari'e]

Originally Posted by brguitarist

What is the name of your state?georgia.
My friend was driving down the road around midnight and was stopped for a busted reverse light. His car was searched and the cop found a dime bag. Was it probable cause for a search if his reverse light was out and he wasn't even going in reverse?

This is a Post for IAAL.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by brguitarist

What is the name of your state?georgia.
My friend was driving down the road around midnight and was stopped for a busted reverse light. His car was searched and the cop found a dime bag. Was it probable cause for a search if his reverse light was out and he wasn't even going in reverse?

How did the officer know it wasn't working? Or was it obviously cracked?

While I don't know the details of GA vehicle codes, I know that in my state a vehicle MUST have all its required lighting devices in operating condition at all times whether they are in use or not. This may have been the reason for the stop ... well, the official reason, anyway.

As for the search, why was the car searched? Consent granted by the driver? Driver arrested? Driver on probation or parole? Why?

- Carl