Indiana police often utilize drug dogs to search for cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and other drugs during traffic stops. Drug dog sniffs can take place anywhere, including in town or on the highway. It is common for police to seek to use K-9 searches on the interstate between Chicago and Indianapolis to find drugs. This area includes Jasper County, Benton County, Tippecanoe County, Boone County, White County, and Montgomery County. However, police cannot delay the duration of a traffic stop in order to conduct a canine sniff without reasonable suspicion to justify the search for drugs. If you have been arrested for possession of cocaine, heroin or other drugs, call Gibson Law Office immediately. If the search was illegal, our Lafayette drug defense attorneys will aggressively defend you.
When Can Police Conduct a Canine Sniff of Your Vehicle for Drugs?
If you are pulled over for a valid reason such as speeding, police can have a canine sniff your vehicle for drugs. However, the canine sniff must take place within the normal time for a traffic stop. If the purpose for the traffic stop was complete before the canine sniff began, the search for drugs violates the Fourth Amendment and is illegal. Police often will call for a K-9 unit after getting the necessary information to issue a traffic ticket. However, police cannot delay a traffic stop until a K-9 unit arrives. If you are delayed beyond the normal time needed to write a ticket, any search is illegal unless it is supported by reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
Cocaine, Heroin, and Drug Defense: Attacking an Illegal Search
If you were arrested for possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or marijuana following a canine search of your vehicle, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. If police violated your rights by detaining you for a K-9 search, an experienced drug defense lawyer can file a motion to suppress the illegally obtained evidence. The police must also advise you of the right to an attorney before obtaining your consent to search your vehicle.
Lafayette Drug Defense Lawyers: Defending Major Drug Cases Statewide
Gibson Law Office attorneys have significant experience defending drug charges, including in Lafayette, Monticello, Crawfordsville, Rensselaer, and Fowler. We have represented clients in every region of Indiana. If you are charged with a drug crime, call us for a free consultation. We understand the restrictions on K-9 unit dog sniffs and will aggressively defend you.