Supreme Court of the United States allows for scorn ex-lovers, jealous neighbors, problem co-workers to call police anonymously and have you stopped for drunk driving!!!! SERIOUSLY!!!!

Recently the Supreme Court of the United States of America (SCOTUS) ruled in Naverette v. California that an uncorroborated 911 call alleging a "drunk driver" was sufficient in and of itself to allow law enforcement to stop the suspected driver.  

This ruling effectively strips away the Fourth Amendment rights of every US citizen. Can you imagine a scorn lover, an envious neighbor or some other person who has some sort of beef with another being able to simply call 911 alleging drunk driving and have law enforcement then stop someone. The Court in Navarette v. California held that the tip alone was sufficient to allow a stop for suspected drunk driving.  The court reasoned the anonymous caller's description was essentially credible because a 911 tipster would not have done so with ill-will, that no one would falsely call 911!  Are they freaking serious???  Without getting into a Fourth Amendment diatribe the Court here has given law enforcement carte blanche to stop anyone based upon BS 911 calls.  Just think of all the hypotheticals you could come up with!

In Washington state however, it will be interesting how this case will be implemented as under Article I Section 7 of the Washington State Constitution citizens are afforded more protection than what is provided under the Fourth Amendment.  One such case I can reference is Campbell v. DOL wherein a similar fact pattern was argued and the court held the anonymous tipster's description of a driver (without some law enforcement corroboration of bad driving) was not sufficient to stop someone for alleged drunk driving. 

We will see how all of this plays out, but it is a really really bad decision by SCOTUS and I believe anyone with a brain would agree.


_______________________________________________________________________

About the author:

Nathan Webb, is a seasoned Seattle DUI Lawyer.  His practice of 10 years emphasizes DUI defense.  He has been repeatedly recognized as one of Seattle's Best Attorneys! He was recognized as a Top Seattle DUI Attorneys by Seattle Met Magazine, Repeatedly named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in the area of DUI Defense by Washington Law and Politics Magazine, and is Rated Superb for DUI Defense (perfect 10.0 out of 10.0) by Avvo.com

Advertising for DUI attorneys.

With the increased use of social media, it is imperative attorneys utilize those services to ensure a web presence.  Facebook and Twitter are of course, integral to a firm's web presence but more importantly a web presence on search engines is a necessity.  There are several well-known search engines but lesser services where the client is able to further evaluate potential attorneys more closely are popping up.  Thumbtack is just one that comes to mind.  It is a service wherein a potential client can search a specific location, specific area of law and search through numerous profiles of potential attorneys for their review. 

I have utilized many avenues to display my services, but potential clients must be mindful of the skill of the attorney in the courtroom NOT their advertising prowess.  It is irrelevant to an attorney's skill level if they have the number one position on a search engine all that says is that (a) they are either great at marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) or (b) they have hired someone who is.  It says nothing about their abilities as an attorney.  Yes placement helps with potential client's abilities to research, but the better mode is to compare and then ask around for personal references.  You can check out my thoughts on "Who To Hire" on my website.  That article will give you many decision making ideas when you begin your research for your next DUI attorney.  If you ever have questions about a DUI arrest, call Nate Webb at (425) 398-4323 for your always free consultation.