Awards & Media Appearances
Understanding What Makes a Traffic Stop Legal
Police officers cannot pull someone over just because they feel like it. They need a good reason to stop your car. This reason is called reasonable suspicion. That means the officer must believe you did something wrong, like speeding or running a red light. If the officer did not have a real reason, then the stop might be illegal. If the traffic stop was illegal, then any evidence found during that stop, like drugs, may not be allowed in court. This is called the exclusionary rule. If the court decides the stop was not legal, it could throw out the evidence. That means your cocaine charge might get dropped.Signs That a Traffic Stop Was Not Done Properly
There are many ways a traffic stop could be wrong. If the officer stopped you for no reason, or just because you looked suspicious, that could be a problem. If they searched your car without a warrant or your permission and didn’t have a good reason to do it, that could be another issue. Sometimes, police try to stretch small traffic violations into reasons to search a car. For example, they might pull you over for a broken taillight, then ask to search your car. But unless they have a real reason to think there are drugs inside, they cannot just search it without your okay or a warrant.How to Prove the Stop Was Illegal
To show the court the stop was not legal, your lawyer will look at every detail. They might check police body camera footage or dashcam video. They will also look at the police report and ask the officer questions in court. The goal is to find out if the officer had a valid reason to pull you over.The Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC Team
Why Time Matters in These Cases
If you are facing a cocaine possession charge after a traffic stop, it is important to act fast. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to get video footage or witness statements. Police departments may erase videos after a short time. If your lawyer gets involved quickly, they can demand that this evidence is saved. Also, your lawyer needs time to review everything and build your case. They might hire investigators or file papers with the court. All of this takes time, and courts have strict deadlines. Waiting too long can make it harder to win.How the Fourth Amendment Helps You
The Fourth Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution. It protects people from illegal searches and seizures. That means police cannot stop you or search your stuff without a good reason. If they break this rule, the evidence they find may not be used against you. Texas courts take the Fourth Amendment seriously. Judges often throw out drug cases when police make unlawful stops. But the only way to use this protection is to bring it up in court. That’s where having a lawyer who knows the law really matters.Client
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These guys are amazing. They made a most horrific experience bearable. They treated me with respect and no judgment. I cannot describe how grateful I am for their representation with my case. 5 stars is not enough. I hope I never need them again but would ABSOLUTELY use them again and definitely recommend them.
— Jennifer S.
Jonathan Zendeh Del and Associates worked tirelessly on my case. They kept me informed every step of the way. In the end the got my case dismissed and I am so grateful that we out our trust in his law firm. I can honestly say the rumors were true. He really is the best.