WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS OF A PASSANGERS DURING A
TRAFFIC STOP?
Unfortunately, this happens frequently and the amount of evidence required to detain passengers is minimal.
For this reason, passengers must remember to refuse search requests and refrain from answering questions without an attorney present.
Police who suspect criminal activity will often separate the occupants of an automobile and question them separately.
If their stories differ, this could lead officers to claim that they have probable cause to prolong the detention or conduct a search.As with any other brief detention, the best way to handle this situation is to determine if you can leave by asking “Officer, are you detaining me, or am I free to go?”
