State of Oklahoma v. T.R.W.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and making an unsafe lane change.



Probable Cause to Stop Motorists by Kent Morlan" - 918-582-5544



Police officers can establish probable cause to stop a motorist by observing a clear traffic violation, such as speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, or having a visible equipment malfunction like a broken taillight, which provides a legitimate reason to believe a traffic law is being broken, thus giving them grounds to initiate a stop.



Key points about probable cause for traffic stops:



Direct observation:

Seeing a driver commit a traffic violation is the most common way to establish probable cause for a stop.



Vehicle appearance:



A vehicle matching the description of one involved in a crime can also provide probable cause.

Suspicious behavior:



While not always enough on its own, erratic driving patterns or other suspicious actions can contribute to probable cause.



Information from reliable sources:If an officer receives credible information from a reliable source about a potential crime or traffic violation, it can provide probable cause to stop a vehicle.



Important distinction:



Reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause: While "reasonable suspicion" allows for a brief investigative stop, "probable cause" is a higher standard needed to justify a full search or arrest.



Generative AI is experimental.



Once a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, you are at risk of being charged with DUI if you have been driving, possession of drugs if there are drugs in the car, possession of firearms, etc.



Kent Morlan" - 918-582-5544