Recording Privacy In California

Summary

Recording in public view is generally legal in California, but privacy rights still apply. Recording someone in their home or enclosed backyard could infringe on their privacy, even if visible from your window. Consult a local attorney for specific advice.

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Sacramento county
In California, expectation of privacy in common public areas is generally low. However, some rights still exist:
- Right to not be recorded without consent.
- Right to not be searched without a warrant or probable cause.
- Right to privacy in personal effects even in public.
You may consult a local attorney for more specific advice.
The sheriff said I can record bin my backyard because it's a common area. He also said I could record my neighbor doing bad things along our fence line. She did not give consent.
In California, it's legal to record in your own backyard. However, recording someone else without their consent, especially where they expect privacy, could breach wiretap laws. It's advisable to consult a local attorney for more precise guidance.
But this is in a common area in public view. A lawyer told me that there is no expectation of privacy of neighbors with clear window line of sight.
In California, if the neighbor's actions are in plain view and not behind closed doors, the expectation of privacy is reduced. However, recording audio without consent may still be problematic due to wiretapping laws. Always consult with a local attorney for specific advice.
Nobody is talking in these videos. You can only hear a radio.
If no one's voice is being recorded, and only actions in public view are captured, it is generally legal in California. However, if the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., in their backyard), different rules may apply. Would you like a referral to a local attorney for more detailed advice?
How would there be a reasonable expectation of privacy if my window has a clear line of sight?
In California, even with a clear line of sight, people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in their homes. If your neighbor is inside their house or enclosed backyard, recording them could potentially infringe upon their privacy rights, despite visibility from your window. It's always best to consult with a local attorney for specific advice.
The backyard is a common area though and can be seen in line of sight. She was purposely in her underwear taunting us along the fence line. I took a photo to show the judge for the civil harassment hearing.
While California law allows recording in public view, taking a photo of someone in their underwear could potentially be seen as an invasion of privacy, even if it was in a common area. Consult a local attorney before presenting this photo in court.
How can I be expected to keep my blinds closed */* and not see this?
You should not have to live with this inconvenience. In California, you may consider filing a nuisance claim against your neighbor if her actions are disturbing your peace. Would you like help finding a local attorney to guide you further?
How do I show the judge that she's in her underwear?
Presenting such evidence in court requires delicacy. You may:
- Use the photo as evidence, if obtained legally.
- Testify about her behavior.
- Bring a witness if possible.
Consult your attorney to ensure you're not infringing on her privacy laws.
You just said I was not allowed to take a photo of her in her underwear in a common area that. An be viewed from my window. Is the image illegal or not?
While the image may not be illegal if taken in public view, using it in court could potentially infringe on privacy rights. Consult your attorney for advice specific to your case.