suitechic1979 said:
when I didn't stop at a stop sign (did a rolling stop... not complete stoppage.)
Okay, so the stop was with good cause.
Was driving under suspended license.
Oops! THAT gave them the right to search the car AND the contents. A vehicle being impounded is subject to inventory prior to impound. However, it is very questionable whether that alone can justify a search of the contents of the computer, though an argument might be made to justify that.
Uncle was free to go, 2 friends who are UNDER 18 were questioned by the cops without a parent or lawyer present.
Not necessary - they were not under arrest, so Miranda does not apply, and anyone can talk to anyone else without a lawyer or parent - this includes the police.
Brittany mentioned that we had talked online because they asked why there were 2 laptops in the car.
No biggie unless there is a big difference in ages ... uh, just how old were the kids, and how old are you? If you are thirty-something and the kids are not related to you and in their teens, I can see how the cops would get suspicious!
Officers then proceeded to search my car, front seat, glove compartment, backseat, trunk. They also pulled papers out of an envelope that dealt with my girlfriends recently passed grandfathers estate (bank statements and such).
Anything inside a vehicle subject to impound is fair game if "searched" pursuant to a written or unwritten practice or policy concerning vehicle impounds. There may have been some other cause, but that is the easiest one to articulate here so far (given what you have provided).
I was taken to City Hall (where the police station is), and detained and strip searched. I was in a holding cell while both girls were interrogated with out parent or legal counsel.
People being held in custody are often "strip searched". However, there may have been some other reason to strip search you. Since I am not from PA I do not know what the current status of the law is on a strip search. In any event, even if improper or unlawful, that is a separate matter from the charges you face.
Again, the juveniles didn't NEED an attorney or parent. If they said anything incriminating (incriminating to THEM, not to you), then their parents can hire attorneys for the children.
I have yet to see a search warrant. I went up today, spoke with the Captain who told me I would never see it again unless the DA told him to give it back.
If the DA does not want to file charges, he or she can write a letter permitting the release of the property. What the police do not want to do is release potential evidence and then have the DA come back and suddenly decide they want to file charges after all!
So, the DA or a court will have to allow the return of the property.
I still suspect there is something more here as nothing you have said here would - on its face - indicate pedophilia to me ... there must be something that you have not mentioned, or something that the you or the children said that piqued their curiosity.
I've tried filing a complaint, but keep getting sent back to the same Captain who has hung up on me repeatedly now.
Try the Chief.
Besides, what are you complaining about? From what you have written, it is very possible that the police acted appropriately. Besides, you were told how to get your stuff back - talk to the DA's office.
If you need any more details, please just ask.
Okay, ages of all the involved parties, please. And how long have you known these juvenile "friends"?
- Carl