The Supreme Court ruling that anchors one of the POP phrases. Plain-English summary below, with the precise phrase to invoke and when to use it.
Any time the stop or search turns on a charge you believe is wrong — for example, a "broken" taillight that actually works, a lane-change that did not violate the statute, or any other reading of the law you can challenge. Saying this keeps the issue live.
The Supreme Court held that an officer's mistake of law — about whether a traffic statute actually covers the conduct observed — can still supply the reasonable suspicion or probable cause needed for a stop or search. The stop is not automatically invalid just because the underlying charge is later shown to be inapplicable. Refused consent remains the lever that forces the State to defend probable cause on the merits, not on the officer's mistaken read of the statute.
Open Stop Mode on your phone — pinned phrase, recording timer, and live legal context.
Open Stop Mode