Reasonable Suspicion is a standard of proof in criminal law, recognized throughout the United States. It provides the justification needed by police to make an investigative stop.
This standard requires that the police have an unbiased belief of specific facts or circumstances that a crime or violation of the law has occurred.
The facts in which reasonable suspicion may arise must be articulable, in that they are capable of being expressed clearly. It requires more than a hunch, feeling, or guess. Reasonable suspicion in criminal law is a higher standard than preponderance of the evidence used in civil litigation. However, reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause in criminal law, which is required for police to obtain a search warrant, or to make an arrest.
Here are 5 more things you should know about reasonable suspicion for a stop.
A Powerful Defense
is Your Bridge to Freedom
