Eavesdropping and wiretapping laws in Colorado prohibit actions like tapping a phone line or using an electronic device to record private conversations. It is also unlawful to possess illegal surveillance equipment that might be used to wiretap or eavesdrop. Earlier this month, a woman was accused of spying on her ex-husband by inserting a recording device into their daughter’s stuffed animal. The man allegedly discovered the device after squeezing the toy’s stomach and hearing his own voice. Any allegation of a violation of eavesdropping or wiretapping laws requires contacting a strategic criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Colorado’s Eavesdropping and Wiretapping Laws
C.R.S. 18-9-303 addresses violations of Colorado’s eavesdropping and wiretapping laws in Colorado. Committing this offense is perhaps easier than one might think and a few steps to listen in on others could result in criminal charges in Littleton, Lakewood, or Arvada.
Criminal eavesdropping in Jefferson County includes behaviors of listening to or recording conversations without approval while hiding. When two people are having what they believe to be a private conversation but someone else is listening without approval or recording the communication, eavesdropping charges can result.
Wiretapping in Lakewood and Golden involves listening to or recording phone conversations or electronic communication without authorization from the sender or recipient. Reading, listening to, or recording any electronic communication for the purpose of committing a crime can lead to significant penalties.
Consequences of Wiretapping and Eavesdropping in Jefferson County
Eavesdropping is typically a class 1 misdemeanor throughout the state of Colorado. Conviction of eavesdropping in Lakewood, Littleton, or Evergreen can result in 6 – 18 months in county jail, as well as up to $5,000 in fines.
Wiretapping, however, is a class 6 felony offense in Colorado. Possible ramifications of conviction can include 12 – 18 months in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $100,000 in fines.
Jefferson County Wiretapping and Eavesdropping Attorney
Sometimes innocent people unknowingly commit criminal eavesdropping or wiretapping if they’re suspicious of a loved one’s behavior. A skeptical partner or parent can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony when their suspicion gets the best of them. Fortunately, the strategic defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC have decades of experience with complex misdemeanor and felony allegations in Colorado. Contact our office for a free initial consultation where we will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps.
If you or someone you know is facing wiretapping or eavesdropping charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the highly rated criminal lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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