Frequently Asked Questions - state-specific info
Yes and no. The Bill of Rights protections that matter most during police encounters are mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court and all states must uphold them. States may offer more protection for these rights than the Supreme Court does, but not less. For that reason, our information is legally correct anywhere in the U.S.
We frequently hear rumors such as "In Washington State, police can impound your car if you refuse a search," or "In Georgia, refusing a search gives police probable cause." Such claims are false. Remember that all states must protect your 4th Amendment rights during police encounters.
Nonetheless, there are some variations regarding DUI, identification, and parolee searches -- but the best strategies for handling a police encounter generally remain the same regardless of which state you're in.
