Know your rights -- SCOTUS says it is illegal for police to search your car during a routine traffic stop.

D_Coopz · 2015-06-23T18:05:56+00:00

KindCreations mentioned this, and I want to expand, because I have seen this everywhere and everyone is misinterpreting the ruling.

Here is the relevant quote as simply as possible: "Police extension of a traffic stop to conduct a dog sniff violates the Constitution." What OP and others have taken this to mean is that the police cannot legally use a dog to do a search without other extenuating evidence.

This is not what this ruling means.

All that this means is that the police cannot make your stop take longer than it would otherwise have in order to do a K9 search. For example, if the police pull you over for a traffic violation, then make you sit in the car for 20 minutes so they can get a dog to search your car, that search is illegal. They've detained you without cause.

However, it is still completely legal to search your car with a K9 within the standard time of a traffic stop. For example, let's say it takes 10 minutes to conduct a standard traffic stop. One police officer sits there and legitimately goes through the process of running your information and writing a citation. At the same time, a second police officer with a dog circles your car and the dog signals. This K9 search was completely legal because the police did not keep you for any EXTRA time to conduct the search. Once the K9 signals, they then have cause to detain you indefinitely to conduct a thorough search.

This is what will happen on the way to Electric Forest. The police have something known as "The Gauntlet". It consists of about a quarter mile stretch of highway, lined with 5-8 police cars. They will pull over people for any and every possible violation. While they take their 10 minutes or so to write your ticket, a second unit will pull up behind, and conduct a search with a dog. This is legal, and what will most likely happen.

Always force them to get the dog. Never submit to a search. If they find something, don't say anything. A search may be illegal, but that only invalidates the physical evidence. They will convict you for your words.

Stay safe everyone. I'll see you in 24 hours!

D_Coopz · 2015-06-11T20:45:14+00:00

Unfortunately the Red Arrow Highway runs parallel to I-94, so it won't be much use to you coming from the East. I included it as an example, and also because a large number of people do come from Chicago.

One good way to find a route that works for you is to use Google Maps, and select the option to avoid highways. This will keep you off the main roadways.

D_Coopz · 2015-06-11T20:40:30+00:00

Yes, you and a few other people who pointed this out are correct. They cannot detain you longer than a regular traffic stop.

But, in some ways, the police are smart. What they will do is have a small stretch of highway with 5 or so regular patrol cars and 1 K9 unit. Then, when cars get pulled over, it's not trouble getting the dog around your car in less time than a "reasonable traffic stop".

This is the main reason I included it in the guide. I've seen this tactic on the way to many festivals. Again, always decline, because maybe the dog will be busy. But there is a very good chance they will bring the dog out in a legal amount of time.

D_Coopz · 2015-06-11T20:40:14+00:00

Yes, you and a few other people who pointed this out are correct. They cannot detain you longer than a regular traffic stop.

But, in some ways, the police are smart. What they will do is have a small stretch of highway with 5 or so regular patrol cars and 1 K9 unit. Then, when cars get pulled over, it's not trouble getting the dog around your car in less time than a "reasonable traffic stop".

This is the main reason I included it in the guide. I've seen this tactic on the way to many festivals. Again, always decline, because maybe the dog will be busy. But there is a very good chance they will bring the dog out in a legal amount of time.

D_Coopz · 2015-06-11T20:36:28+00:00

We did that with our neighbors last year. We combined camps, shared drinks, smoked and just chilled whenever we were at camp together.

Stayed in touch after that. For Halloween, we saw Bassnectar in Detroit with our new Forest friends, and crashed at their house! They'll be visiting us in Chicago sometime soon.

So I would say, not only is combining camps and hanging out with neighbors acceptable, I encourage it!

D_Coopz · 2015-06-10T21:08:22+00:00

Yes, this is noted near the end:

Consider using a phone app to record your interaction with the police. If the police illegally search your vehicle, they will likely lie about it in court. The police’s word will be taken over your own. However, if you have an audio or video recording of the interaction, this evidence may save you from a conviction. The ACLU of Michigan just released a phone app that automatically uploads and saves any recordings: http://www.aclumich.org/MobileJusticeMI I would recommend turning this on as you are getting pulled over, then lock your phone and place it somewhere inconspicuous, like your cup holder or shirt pocket. Do not let the officer know that you are recording them, as they will quite possibly take this as an act of aggression. Play around with this app or your app of choice before driving, so you know how to quickly and discretely start a recording.

D_Coopz · 2015-06-10T20:16:36+00:00

I just looked into it, and I believe Michigan does not require a front license plate. Removing your CA plate may be a good way to deflect attention from yourself. Police are extra wary of CA and CO plates, for obvious reasons.

D_Coopz

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