{"id":5843,"date":"2019-03-28T09:42:23","date_gmt":"2019-03-28T13:42:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/24-7-home-security.com\/?p=5843"},"modified":"2020-09-06T00:28:37","modified_gmt":"2020-09-06T04:28:37","slug":"home-defense-strategies-that-may-get-you-thrown-in-jail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/24-7-home-security.com\/home-defense-strategies-that-may-get-you-thrown-in-jail\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Defense Strategies that May Get You Thrown in Jail"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all heard in the news of homes being burglarized every now and then. As homeowners, we want to ensure that all our valuables are safe and avoid the crimes from happening to us at all cost. However, there are limitations of which home defense strategies you can use to stay safe and out of trouble with the police yourself. Knowing these limitations and the laws that apply in your area is important to avoid committing a crime that may get you thrown in jail when you\u2019re just trying to protect your property.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it may sound ridiculous, otherwise upstanding citizens have been charged with crimes for these very same methods. \u00a0Here are the ones that could get you in trouble, be sure to check your state and local laws to make sure your system is legal.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Hidden Home Recordings<\/span><\/h3>

Hidden cameras<\/a> are everywhere! Often times they are used for security reasons against intruders by videotaping and recording inside your home. However, installing hidden cameras can also get you into trouble in two ways, especially if there are other people involved and the recordings are used without their consent. <\/span><\/p>\n

First<\/b>, sending the recordings to a third party other than a licensed investigator or law enforcement is punishable by law. <\/span>Second<\/b>, uploading the recorded video online where everyone can see is a federal offense. These activities may land you up to 6 months in jail, a fine, and possible civil lawsuits that the other individuals involved may file against you!<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Security Cameras Used to Eavesdrop<\/span><\/h3>

Home security cameras<\/a> are originally intended to monitor the owner\u2019s private property for security reasons. With privacy laws being implemented by some localities, setting up your security camera in a way that violates another party\u2019s privacy may get you into trouble. \u00a0In particular, audio recordings are protected in many jurisdictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cameras nowadays can capture both visual and audio, and accidentally recording a simple conversation of other people talking outside can be a crime. Be sure to check whether audio recordings outside of your home are legal in your area.<\/span><\/p><\/div>

Security Cameras that Violate Someone\u2019s Privacy<\/span><\/h3>

Another area of concern for security cameras is to make sure that they are placed and aimed in a way that won\u2019t violate someone else\u2019s privacy. Placing a security camera that points toward someone else\u2019s property without their consent or in a public area without a sign may be against the law. Laws concerning video recordings from home security cameras may vary by state so make sure that you are familiar with these laws in your area before setting up your cameras. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best policy will always be to communicate with your neighbors what you plan to do and make sure they are OK with your plan to fight crime in your neighborhood. \u00a0That way, you can discuss any privacy concerns they might have before you mount your cameras.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a short summary, remember these when setting up your home security cameras:<\/span><\/p>\n\n