July 2025 eNewsletter Issue no. 107

Can the Cops Search Your Car

Without Your Consent?

In this short video, Founding Attorney David P. Shapiro discusses law enforcement searches of your vehicle. David tells us that there are a few ways in which the police may legally search your car without your consent: (1) if they have a valid search warrant; or (2) if there is an exception to the warrant requirement such as seeing something illegal in plain view. Absent a warrant, or an exception to the warrant requirement, cops need your consent to search your vehicle. Consenting to a search can lead to dire consequences, so why would you provide it, particularly since you never know what the cops might find. If you are stopped by the police and asked for consent to search your car, your answer should be a definitive, albeit polite, “No.”

Do Schools Have the Right to Search a Student's Phone?

At first glance, the question of whether a teacher, principal or other school employee can legally search a student's phone might seem simple based off the assumption kids do not have the right to privacy. After all, they are just kids. Associate attorney Elmira Yousufi debunks that notion in this video. She tells us that in the absence of extenuating circumstances, such as a bomb threat or other emergencies, the school does not have the right to search a student's phone and its contents. The essential principal here is that the United States Constitution applies to all of us, especially the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, no matter what your age.

Summer of Giving Back While Having Fun

Partners Stefano Molea David P. Shapiro are on their familiar tee box with Amani Walker of San Diego's Black Golfers Association at the 5th Annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament on June 16, raising money for Just Remember 88, an outstanding nonprofit supporting families grieving the loss of a child.

Friend of the Firm, NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed, with David, Elmira, and Stefano at the 7th Annual Andre Reed Celebrity Golf Outing on June 30. Another year, and another outstanding event put on by Andre and his wife Theresa, raising money for reading rooms at Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide.

David was honored to be asked to share his “Protect Your Freedom. Protect Your Future. Know Your Rights!” presentation with the 2025 Competitive Edge cohort on July 16. Competitive Edge is a six week, train to hire program that provides career opportunities in the utility sector for San Diego residents who are between 18 and 30 years of age. Each cohort consists of 20 candidates, who undergo labor trades, and pre-apprenticeship training with a focus on specific career skills necessary to thrive in utility job opportunities.

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David P Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys

Phone: 619-295-3555

davidpshapirolaw.com/

This newsletter is for meant for informational and marketing purposes only, and should not be relied on as legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the newsletter, including sending email or submission of forms, does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. Any endorsement, testimonial or other statement contained in or referred to in this newsletter is not a guarantee, a warranty or a prediction of a particular result in your case. Our attorneys are active members of the State Bar of California and are admitted to practice law in any and all California state courts and in the Southern District of California federal courts.