recording phone conversations

[DDgirl]

What is the name of your state? NC
what does the law state in NC about listening in or recording private phone conversations without the knowledge of the persons having the conversation.

 

[Mike101]

In NC if you record a phone conversation without either party knowing, you have committed a crime. At least one party needs to know.
Civil penalties are also written into the law.

 

[JETX]

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-287 (1999): Without the consent of at least one party to a wire, oral or electronic communication, it is unlawful to intercept or disclose the contents of the communication. The statute defines wire communications to exclude the radio portion of a cordless telephone call that is transmitted between a cordless telephone handset and base unit. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-287 (1999).

In addition, communications transmitted in a manner accessible to the general public, radio transmissions of aircrafts, ships or vehicles, and law enforcement radio communications, can be legally intercepted.

Violations of the law are felonies that can be punished by imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine. Civil liability is expressly authorized for actual damages, $100 per day of violation or $1,000 -- whichever is greater. Punitive damages, attorney fees and litigation costs also can be recovered. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-296 (1999).