This week, IJ launched a major lawsuit against unconstitutional traffic stops in Texas.

Bexar County deputies systematically invent phony traffic violations to stop drivers, interrogate them, and search their vehicles—all as a fishing expedition for “bigger crimes” (and, especially, cash). That’s exactly what happened to IJ client and Houston resident Alek Schott. 

When Alek declined to give permission for a search, an officer called in a drug dog to justify ransacking Alek’s truck. Bodycam footage reveals the handler tipping off the dog and deputies peppering Alek with questions, emptying every bag and pulling apart every compartment of the truck—only to find food wrappers, clothes, work gear, and car seats, all in alignment with what Alek had told them moments before. Click the video below to watch the charade unfold—starting with a falsified traffic stop and ending with the violation of Alek’s property rights. 

Click to watch the complete video of Alek's traffic stop, including bogus dog alert

This type of activity is an affront to the Fourth Amendment, which, as you know, protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. But, unfortunately, Alek’s situation is fairly common. Police officers nationwide frequently use falsified traffic stops as an invitation to search a vehicle, even though they lack probable cause. 

Alek’s lawsuit seeks to end that kind of unconstitutional behavior and hold Bexar County accountable. This case is a key part of IJ’s Project on the Fourth Amendment, which seeks to restore Americans’ rights to property and privacy by fortifying the protections enshrined in an essential provision of the Constitution. Please consider supporting this work with a secure online donation today.

Scott 

Scott G. Bullock

President and Chief Counsel

Institute for Justice

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