Illegal Search and Seizure Attorney: Drug Dogs

Alabama Illegal Search and Seizure Defense Attorney

Americans are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which states that people have the right "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures... "

Searches and seizures for drugs happen every day in Alabama, on our public streets and roadways. If you are arrested on drug charges, it is critical that you immediately contact an attorney experienced in drug cases.

We answer telephone calls 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 205-453-9700.

For a free initial consultation with a highly skilled criminal defense attorney contact the Birmingham, Alabama, law office of Simms & Associates. Attorney Simms has been in practice for more than 10 years, and devotes the majority of his time to defending clients against criminal and DUI charges.

Alabama Illegal Search and Seizure Law

There is a disturbing pattern emerging on our Alabama highways. It is not uncommon for law enforcement to scan for cars with out-of-state plates or drivers who fit a specific profile, and then stop them for a highly suspect traffic violation.

What happens next is chilling. When the police stop the car, they look for a reason to search, asking for the driver's permission. If the driver refuses, drug sniffing dogs are brought to the scene and allowed to sniff the vehicle for drugs. If the police did not have probable cause, even though drugs were found in the car or on the driver's person, the search may be illegal. These searches are sometimes unconstitutional. The courts consider the reason for the stop, the length of the roadside detention and a variety of other factors in deciding whether the evidence is due to be suppressed.

Challenging Drug Searches

Lawyer Simms investigates the training and reliability of the drug dog, and determines if the dog has a reliable track record. Some dogs have a significant history of false positive results. Attorney Simms is not afraid to dig for facts and challenge the validity of the drug search, including obtaining training records by subpoena.

Contact Us

Attorney Derek B. Simms at Simms & Associates in Birmingham, Alabama, focuses a large percentage of his practice on drug defense and Alabama illegal search and seizure law. For aggressive defense of your drug distribution, trafficking or possession charges, call us at 24 hours a day/7 days a week at 205-453-9700.