Vehicle Searches Related to OVI in Steubenville

When it comes to suspected impaired driving, law enforcement has the authority to search a person’s vehicle, but only in specific situations. It’s important to remember that the United States Constitution safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures. While the level of privacy in your car is not as strong as in your home, you still have the right to expect privacy. This means that the police cannot search your vehicle without a warrant or some other legally permissible exception.

There are a few exceptions that allow officers to search a vehicle. One common exception occurs after the driver has been arrested, and the officers believe they might find evidence of a crime. Another exception is when the search is directly related to the arrest. For example, if an officer notices a sealed bottle of whiskey on the backseat floor, they can arrest the driver on suspicion of OVI and search the car.

In certain cases, the police may believe that a search of your vehicle is necessary for their safety. For instance, if they suspect that you have a gun in your car.

It’s important to note that if you give the police permission to search your car, they can proceed with the search. However, it’s generally not advisable to grant consent. If asked, it is better to refuse the search and exercise your Constitutional right to privacy.

If you are arrested for OVI, your car will be towed to an impound yard. As part of this process, the police may conduct a search of the vehicle to take inventory of its contents.

Always keep in mind that you have a reasonable expectation of privacy in your car, truck, or SUV. The law requires police officers and state troopers to obtain warrants to search vehicles for a reason, and you are well within your rights to refuse warrantless searches. Asserting that the police cannot search your car without a warrant has no legal consequences.

Just remember that officers may legally detain you only for the time required to investigate the situation and issue a traffic ticket.

In certain circumstances, police officers may choose to bring a drug-sniffing dog to conduct a check around your vehicle. While this is considered permissible and not classified as a search, if you are made to wait excessively for the dog to arrive, it becomes an illegal situation as you have been detained for too long. If this occurs, you have the right to request the judge to exclude any evidence found during the delay.

If your vehicle is searched following an OVI arrest or if you consented to a search upon police request, seeking the assistance of the skilled Steubenville OH OVI lawyers at Youngstown Criminal Law Group can greatly benefit you. With decades of combined experience in OVI defense, Sean Logue and his associates have undergone extensive training and have successfully represented numerous clients, often resulting in reduced or dismissed OVI charges.

It’s important to remember that if the police search your vehicle without a warrant, it may potentially be an illegal search. A strong legal basis and a proper warrant are required. A defective warrant renders the search just as unlawful as conducting it without any warrant. A knowledgeable Steubenville OH criminal lawyer who specializes in OVI defense can bring this matter to the court’s attention, leading to any evidence gathered during the search being deemed inadmissible. To achieve this, your Steubenville OH OVI lawyer must file a motion and present an argument at an evidentiary hearing.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we offer complimentary initial consultations and round-the-clock access to the finest Steubenville OH criminal attorneys in the Tri-State area. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation.

To schedule a free consultation, please call (330) 992-3036 or reach out to us online.