Connecticut Eavesdropping Lawyer
With iPhones in everyone’s pockets, there’s a big temptation to record what your spouse is saying to you, especially in the middle of a contentious divorce. Whether it is illegal or not depends on the time, place, and context.
Eavesdropping and Voyeurism are both Class D Felonies in Connecticut – let an experienced domestic violence attorney help. If you’ve recorded your spouse or you caught your spouse recording you, contact a top Connecticut eavesdropping lawyer who can help protect you and evaluate your options.
Is Recording My Cheating Husband or Wife Illegal in Connecticut?
Not always. In today’s day and age, the advent of smartphones means every person has a video camera in their pocket. This gives anyone the ability to snap photos, take videos, and record audio. This also gives rise to the temptation to record any dispute you are having, especially in the middle of a contentious divorce. If someone has questions about the legality of such recordings, they should refer to a Connecticut eavesdropping attorney.
Eavesdropping and Phone Recording Laws in Connecticut
You might think you can record evidence to show the judge what a jerk your spouse is – but be wary. Where, when, and how you record your spouse could land you in hot water with the police. We’ve written a lot about these laws about Connecticut laws regarding secretly reading your cheating husband’s or wife’s emails.
Below are the most common questions people have about recording their spouses.
Is It Legal to Record Conversations in Connecticut?
That depends. Connecticut is a “one-party state” for in-person conversations. That means as long as one party to the conversation consents to the recording (including the recorder), the recording is legal.
Can You Record Someone Without Their Knowledge in Connecticut?
Yes, you can record someone without their consent if you are in person, and you are a party to the conversation. However, the rules change for telephone conversations. If you record a telephone conversation without consent from everyone on the call, you can be sued in civil court for damages.
What if I Record a Call My Spouse is on With Someone Else?
Connecticut General Statute § 53a-189 makes recording a conversation without the consent of at least one party a crime. Eavesdropping is a Class D Felony that carries up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and probation. This applies both to telephone calls and in-person conversations.
What is the Difference Between Eavesdropping and Voyeurism?
Connecticut General Statute § 53a-189a defines voyeurism as photographing, filming, otherwise recording another person without their knowledge and consent, while they are not in plain view, and when they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. So, if you secretly place your in-home security cameras anywhere where your spouse has an expectation of privacy, you could be arrested for a Class D Felony.
Can the Recordings Be Used in Court?
Not if it was obtained illegally. Connecticut courts have held that illegally obtained evidence is not admissible in court. That means even if you do not get arrested for illegally recording your spouse, you will not be able to play your recording for the judge.
Call a Connecticut Eavesdropping Lawyer Today
If you are being investigated for Eavesdropping or Voyeurism in Connecticut, you should consult with a top Connecticut criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect yourself. Whether you are being investigated or you are the victim of illegal recordings in Connecticut, our team of lawyers can help. See our hundreds of certified online reviews from former clients and call us today to get started.