What makes a felony stop?

Asked by: Jimmy Wilderman  |  Last update: July 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)

Law enforcement often uses felony-stop tactics when they believe someone inside the vehicle is dangerous, such as a suspect on the loose for a violent crime or fugitive.

What is the reason for a felony stop?

A "felony" or "high-risk" traffic stop occurs when police stop a vehicle which they have strong reason to believe contains a driver or passenger suspected of having committed a serious crime, especially of a nature that would lead the police to believe the suspects may be armed (such as an armed robbery, assault with a ...

In what situations would an officer decide on using a felony stop approach?

a felony stop is a high-risk traffic stop where the police believe the occupants of a vehicle may be connected to a serious crime, such as a felony, including violent crimes like a shooting. During such stops, officers take extra precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

What is a routine stop?

Broadly speaking, a routine traffic stop is a law enforcement officer's temporary detention of a driver to investigate a possible violation of traffic law. Most often these stops typically happen because of speeding, red-light violations, stop sign violations, equipment issues, or outdated registration tags.

What are some reasons an officer would perform a traffic stop?

Why Do Officers Stop People?
  • The officer may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation.
  • You may have committed a traffic violation.
  • Your vehicle may match the description of one used in a crime.
  • The officer might think you are in trouble and need help.
  • You may have witnessed a crime.

ICE operation in the Bronx leads to nearly 2 dozen arrests

15 related questions found

What is an example of probable cause traffic stop?

Nonetheless, without further evidence, they may have to let the driver go. During a traffic stop, officers will typically look for evidence in plain view as well as assessing the conduct of the driver. If they see drug paraphernalia through the window of the car, then this could amount to probable cause.

Why do police ask where you're coming from?

When a police officer asks where you are coming from, they are looking for evidence to support the possibility that you have or are committing a crime or whether or not you are a threat to public safety. This creates a baseline that they will later write down in a police report.

What is a reasonable stop?

In that decision, the Court held that a reasonable stop and frisk is one “in which a reasonably prudent officer is warranted in the circumstances of a given case in believing that his safety or that of others is endangered, he may make a reasonable search for weapons of the person believed by him to be armed and ...

Are you detained during a traffic stop?

2. Is the passenger detained and not free to leave during a traffic stop, just as the driver is detained? Affirmative. Yes.

Why do police do traffic stops?

You may have committed a traffic violation. You may fit the description of a suspect. The officer might think you are in trouble and need help. You may have witnessed a crime.

What is defined as a felony?

In US law, a felony is typically defined as a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year or by the death penalty. Misdemeanors, in contrast, are often defined as offenses punishable only by fines or by short terms of imprisonment in local jails.

How do stops differ from arrests?

The level of proof required for each is different. For a stop and frisk, reasonable suspicion is needed, which is a lower standard than probable cause. Reasonable suspicion is based on specific and articulable facts that suggest criminal activity is afoot. Probable cause, on the other hand, is required for an arrest.

What is a felony vehicle?

Felony Vehicle vs. Stolen Vehicle. As a reminder, a felony vehicle is a vehicle used in the commission of a felony, such as a get away car in a bank robbery.

What does a felony stop look like?

In a felony stop, the police usually approach the stopped vehicle cautiously. They will order the driver and passengers out of the vehicle at gunpoint. The police will then search and handcuff the driver and passengers before placing them in the back seat of a squad car.

Can police pull you out of your car?

The law allows police officers to order drivers and passengers out of a vehicle during a traffic stop to ensure officer safety. While this may feel intrusive, the courts have ruled that this action is a reasonable and minimal intrusion compared to the potential dangers officers face during these interactions.

How can I avoid jail time for felony?

5 strategies for lessening or avoiding jail time in felony cases
  1. #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
  2. #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
  3. #3: Character references. ...
  4. #4: Diversion programs. ...
  5. #5: Demonstrating remorse.

What is a felony car stop?

Law enforcement often uses felony-stop tactics when they believe someone inside the vehicle is dangerous, such as a suspect on the loose for a violent crime or fugitive.

What do the police not want you to know?

Right to Remain Silent

This right is probably the most known of all. You have the right to remain silent when being questioned by the police. Anything you say or do can be used against you. You have the right to have legal representation at the time of any police interrogation.

Why do cops follow you but not pull?

Instead, the general rule is that police are allowed to follow you for a reasonable distance to observe your driving and determine if a traffic stop needs to be conducted. As you might imagine, a reasonable distance is interpretative and will vary based on the specifics of the situation.

What is a Terry stop by police?

Defined. A Terry stop is defined as “a brief, temporary involuntary detention of a person suspected of being involved in criminal activity for the purpose of investigating the potential criminal violation.

What is the final stop law?

The law mandated the end of investigation and prosecution of people accused of political violence during the dictatorship and up to the restoration of democratic rule on 10 December 1983. It was passed on 24 December 1986, after only a 3-week debate. Its text is very short; it has seven articles.

What is a proper stop?

1) The first stopping position is just before the stop line. The front tires must stop just before the stop line. 2) The second position is before the crosswalk. If there's no crosswalk painted on the roadway, than before the sidewalk. 3) And the third stopping position is at the edge where the two roads meet.

What to say when a cop asks how fast you were going?

If asked, “Do you know how fast you were going?” say “Yes.” Answering “No” will to imply to the officer that you are being negligent by not being aware of your speed/ the speed limit.

Can a cop say "Do you know why I pulled you over"?

Police officers in California can no longer ask, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” That's because of a new state law that came into effect on Jan. 1.