Supreme Court Excuses Cop's Ignorance of the Law

Ignorance of the law is no excuse, right? Well, as a result of a recent Supreme Court decision ( Heien v. North Carolina), police officers are now exempt from this rule. The case involved a police officer who pulled over a car that had only one functioning brake light. The officer thought the law required two. He was wrong. The Supreme Court nevertheless said an officer does not violate a person’s rights under the Fourth Amendment—the one which protects all of us from unreasonable searches and seizures—as long as his ignorance of the law is reasonable. For everyone else, no such ignorance, no matter how reasonable, will excuse illegal conduct.
Categories

    I was having a hard time finding someone to represent me. I was frustrated. But after SS&L took my case, I was treated VERY well! Ericka Campbell is a rockstar! She was phenomenal at communicating with me. Spangenberg Shibley & Liber are the utmost

    - William R.

    SS&L treated me well and I felt supported.

    - Brian R.

    Our Family will be Forever Grateful!

    - Tim S.

    Attorney Tor and the whole team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, including the receptionist, made me feel welcome, comforted, and confident throughout my case. They showed me respect and kindness from start to finish.

    - Zandra S.

    I was feeling uncertain but after I met with Nick I felt at ease & confident. Communication was great, I was constantly informed and everyone was genuine & compassionate.

    - Sonja S.
/

Put Award-Winning
Trial Lawyers On Your Side

Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP offers free, no-obligation consultations so you have nothing to lose! Contact Our Team today.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.