Probable cause and reasonable suspicion are commonly confused with one another. While the 2 are similar under Florida law, they still have different legal ramifications. If you have been arrested, a criminal defense lawyer will investigate your case to see if there were any probable cause violations.
The difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion lies in that probable cause indicates that any reasonably cautious person would suspect that a crime was being committed (or had been, or was about to be committed). It is implicit in the definition that an obvious crime was committed. Under reasonable suspicion, it appears that a crime may have happened, such as when someone stumbles to his car while leaving a bar.
Reasonable suspicion gives a police officer the legal authority to stop someone and question them. This is called a “Terry stop” and does not require probable cause. Probable cause, on the other hand, gives a police officer the right to detain and search someone, and potentially get a warrant for further search and/or arrest.
If you were arrested without a warrant and without probable cause, reach out to a team of criminal defense lawyers who will aggressively defend your legal rights.
Contacting Criminal Defense Lawyers
If you are facing criminal charges under Florida law, your criminal defense lawyers are your best defense. The defense team you choose to represent you in court, defend your rights, and relentlessly pursue your case could be the difference between jail time and getting on with your life. Contact the criminal defense lawyers at Falk & Ross to discuss your case – 1-877-663-5110.