Drug dog sniff searches are one of the common tactics employed by law enforcement officers to detect contraband. Unless the situation warrants an emergency search, officers must have probable cause to instigate such a measure. After all, doing so without cause may violate an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights.
One of the ways to mitigate the impact of a drug dog sniff search is to retain the services of a Florida criminal defense attorney. Many people don’t even realize the extent to which such an unwarranted search can violate their rights and adversely impact a criminal case. Working with a lawyer who knows better can be the difference between an optimal case outcome or the worst-case scenario.
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable search and seizure of their personal property and effects. Law enforcement officers must obtain a search warrant from a court of law and provide probable cause for the requested search.
When a drug dog sniff search is employed, a highly trained canine is employed to determine if there are illegal substances in the vicinity. These dogs are trained to pick up the scents of certain types of substances, even if they are not present.
However, other tools employed to make a more stringent determination of a drug’s presence are not typically paired with drug dog sniff searches to back up any findings. This means that there is no way for law enforcement further to verify the dog’s findings on the scene or determine if the sniff search was erroneous in any way.
A drug dog sniff search may be a Fourth Amendment violation under certain circumstances. For instance, the search in question is lawful if a law enforcement officer pulls a person over for a traffic stop and finds evidence that a crime has been committed outside of the traffic violation. The evidence of the crime is likely the probable cause necessary to enact a drug dog sniff search. Without cause, law enforcement officers must ask for permission to search the vehicle using a drug dog.
Many people don’t realize that if a law enforcement officer is asking for permission to search, they likely do not have the cause they need. Without consent from the individual, the search is not lawful. Moreover, law enforcement officers cannot hold people for traffic stops long enough for drug dogs to arrive without consent and/or probable cause.
However, with consent, the officer has the right to search the premises using a drug dog. This is one of the reasons that everyone should know their rights when it comes to law enforcement search and seizure strategies. Exceptions to this rule include drug dogs that sniff luggage in airports, as this is not considered an official search per the Fourth Amendment.
Drug dog sniff searches are sometimes employed in situations where it is not appropriate to do so. Knowing the rules regarding when and how these searches can be implemented can be crucial to resolving a criminal defense case.
If you have been subjected to a drug dog sniff search, even if you are not sure whether your rights have been violated or not, reach out to a Florida criminal defense attorney at The Umansky Law Firm. Our background in criminal defense with an emphasis on drug crimes can offer you a fighting chance to bring your case to a successful resolution. This is especially pertinent in situations where an unlawful search has been employed to gather evidence. Schedule a free consultation today by calling or contact us online to learn more.
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