Question: During a traffic stop, the police officer discovered my registration was suspended and my insurance was lapsed. I was told that my vehicle would be "inventoried" because it was going to be towed. During the 'inventory' a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were discovered. I was charged with possession with intent to deliver. Was the search illegal?

Answer:  It's important to make sure your car is properly registered and insurance paid up. If records showed that your tag or license plate registrations were expired, a police officer can pull you over. Different departments have different policies under these circumstances.  Some tow the car, some issue tickets and park the car in a public lot. Once the officer decides to tow the car, he has an "obligation" to look through your car to make note of valuables, which is the reason for the inventory.

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