Videotaping

[distraught8]

Michigan - No common law marriage: My girlfriend and I have been together for 8 years. We have built a beautiful home and I Love her very much. Now the issue: We had gotten to the point where affection was harder to share (NOT SEX - that was never a priority) we would see each other sporatically due to our work schedules, I missed our quiet times, but we just got busy. In order for me to be able to see her when she wasn't home, I chose to install a camera in the bedroom. No slamming, please, in retrospect it was stupid. I never saw what ended up on the tape, she found the camera and took the video. Without beating me up any more than I already am doing to myself, what feed back do you have and what legal ramifications are potential? And yes this has sent me to counselling.

Well I wouldn't worrie about having a camera set up in your own house. As for her finding it well it looks as if you are going to have to live with that and I don't see why you should be so hard on yourself . Love makes you do some stupid things we all have done them one time or another. Make peace with it and move on. Good luck

Since this is a LEGAL site and you asked a LEGAL question that is all I will address.

Rick is wrong and taking his advice could ultimately result in you being charged with a felony and a $2,000 fine.

"Any person who installs in any private place, without the consent of the person(s) entitled to privacy there, any device for observing, photographing, or eavesdropping on the sounds or events in such place or who uses any such unauthorized installation is guilty of a felony punishable by up to two years in a state prison, a fine of not more than $2,000 or both. The fact that such a device has been installed will be regarded as sufficient evidence of the intent to use it for unauthorized observation, photographing or eavesdropping."

Any party to a conversation upon which eavesdropping is practiced may sue and obtain an injunction against further eavesdropping. The plaintiff may also recover actual damages and punitive damages as determined by the court or jury. "

Michigan Statutes Annotated Sections 28.807(1) through 28.807(9), 28.808 (Callaghan 1997); People v. Abate, 306 N.W.2d 476 (Mich. Ct. App. 1981); Dickerson v. Raphael, 564 N.W.2d 85 (Mich. Ct. App. 1997); Sullivan v Gray, 324 N.W.2d 58 (Mich. Ct. App. 1982); Navarra v. Bache Halsey Stuart Shields Inc., 510 F. Supp. 831 (E.D. Mich. 1981); Harkey v. Abate, 346 N.W.2d 74 (Mich. Ct. App. 1983).

Is that clear enough?

Well distraught8, did you get the message?

Show me the statue or case law where you cannot place a video camera in your own home.



unauthorized observation, photographing or eavesdropping. is he not authorized in his own home?


______________________** I am not an attorney but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.**

Listen idiot, I'm not about to do your homework for you. And since it wasn't your post, get lost.

I'm tired of you thinking you can lead posters around with half-truths and your opinion when all you've accomplished is posting totally wrong and dangerous information that could lead this poster in particular, into a crime.

Now, since you won't be here much longer, I gave you the citations at the end of the post. Do your own damn homework.

[distraught8]

It's obviously not what I wanted to hear, but it was MY mistake. I don't see her taking it to legal at this point, though her counselor has pressed for it. It's something that will not go away, and any repercussions have to be accepted as warranted and justifiable. Thanks again, Krispenstpeter.

Distraught8

You're welcome.

One other thing you might want to think about that has nothing whatsoever to do with the legal issues. Sit down and speak with your girlfriend and tell her (HONESTLY) that you recognize what you did was wrong and if she thinks it would help restore your relationship, that you would be agreeable to joint counseling.

Then FOLLOW THROUGH.

krispenstpeter responce to Ricks legal challenge**** Listen idiot, I'm not about to do your homework for you. And since it wasn't your post, get lost. **
I figured if you went to all that trouble to cut and paste the inaccurate informatioin, you would be adult enough to do more acurate- research.

It is clearly not my intentions to harm anyone when I give someone my opion. But it is clearly your intention to attack , humiliate, bully as many folks as you can. All one has to do is read your responces- your reply to my question clearly represents your personality and education. As to me not being here much longer well so be it I don't live for this sight-- my life will continue with honor and grace. Will your's?? Have a great day

[distraught8]

I'm sure it's not proper forum etiquette but could you guys take a quick look at an unrelated post in job discrimination and harassment. Search for all my posts and it will lead you there. Thanks again.
Just a note Krispenstpeter, we are both individually in counselling and, hopefully, can eventually go together. The healing process will be long. If it is to be.
Thanks

You're welcome. And good luck.

As for your other thread, I have already reviewed it but will wait for CBG or Beth to respond. They are the ones who will help you on that issue.