Q: Time to report being recorded by secret camera and legal actions possible.
I was spied on by my sister's boyfriend, who used a secret camera to record me changing in May 2024. He admitted to the recording, but I have no physical evidence. I have not taken any steps yet regarding this incident and do not know if the recording was shared with others. How long can I wait to report this to the police? Additionally, can he be sued for this, and do the police have the authority to search his phone and computer for the videos?
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A:
You should report the incident as soon as possible, as there are laws against voyeurism and unauthorized recording. In many jurisdictions, you have a limited time to file charges, but the sooner you act, the better the chances of law enforcement gathering evidence before it disappears. The police can help you understand the time frame for reporting and the specific laws in your area regarding privacy violations.
If your sister's boyfriend recorded you without your consent, he could potentially be sued for invasion of privacy, and you might have legal grounds to pursue civil action as well. Whether or not you can sue depends on the laws in your state, but the recording itself could be considered illegal depending on local privacy laws.
As for the police, if you report the incident, they can seek a search warrant to investigate his phone or computer for the recordings. The authorities may be able to gather evidence to support your case, especially if they suspect the videos were shared or stored on his devices. Speaking to a lawyer could also help clarify your options and how to approach the situation moving forward.
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