What can result if reasonable suspicion is not established during a detention?

If reasonable suspicion is not established during a detention, the detention is deemed unlawful. This legal principle is critical because the Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement officers are required to have a specific and articulable basis for detaining an individual; without reasonable suspicion, any actions taken during the detention may violate the individual's rights.

When a detention is found to be unlawful, any evidence obtained as a result may be inadmissible in court under the exclusionary rule, which prohibits the use of evidence obtained in violation of a person's constitutional rights. This underscores the importance of law enforcement officers adhering to legal standards when detaining individuals, as failing to do so can lead to significant legal repercussions and undermine the integrity of the justice system.