Philadelphia Stop and Frisk Defense Attorney

When Police Cross the Line, I Fight Back.

A “stop and frisk” may seem minor—but it can quickly lead to serious charges, invasive searches, and unlawful arrests. If police stopped you without cause or searched you without a warrant, you may have a strong defense. Your rights matter, and I’m here to protect them.

At Thomas & Robbins LLC, I represent clients across Philadelphia who’ve been illegally stopped, frisked, or searched on the street, in vehicles, or outside their homes. If the stop wasn’t justified, the evidence may not hold up—and I’ll fight to get it thrown out.

Understanding Stop and Frisk in Pennsylvania

Police can briefly stop you if they have reasonable suspicion that you’re involved in criminal activity. They can frisk you only if they believe you’re armed and dangerous. But too often, officers stretch or ignore these rules—relying on vague suspicions, targeting the wrong people, or escalating without cause.

If police:

  • Stopped you without a valid reason
  • Frisked you without evidence of a weapon
  • Went beyond a pat-down and searched your pockets, bag, or car
  • Prolonged the encounter without legal grounds
  • Based the stop solely on your location or appearance


…that may be a constitutional violation, and the evidence they found may not be admissible in court.

Stop and Frisk FAQ

What You Need to Know Now

  • What’s the difference between a stop and a frisk?

    A stop is a brief detention where the officer asks questions. A frisk is a limited pat-down for weapons. Both require specific, fact-based suspicion—without it, they’re illegal.

  • Can police search my bag or pockets during a frisk?

    No. Unless they feel something they reasonably believe is a weapon, they can’t go into your pockets or belongings. If they did, I can file a motion to suppress that evidence.

  • What if they found drugs or a weapon after an illegal stop?

    If the stop or frisk was unconstitutional, any evidence discovered may be excluded from your case. That could lead to reduced charges—or a full dismissal.

  • I wasn’t arrested—do I still have a case?

    Yes. Even if the stop didn’t result in an arrest, an illegal search or seizure may still violate your rights. I can help you explore your legal options and take action.